The Rangers announced today that they signed free agent defenseman Brendan Bell to a contract for the upcoming season. Bell has appeared in 101 NHL games with Maple Leafs, Coyotes and Senators, but spent the 2009-10 season in the AHL and split last year between the KHL and Swiss Nationaliga.

With five of a projected seven defensive spots on the Rangers seemingly set, Bell is likely to provide a little bit more competition along with some depth in case of injury. Tim Erixon still looks the favorite to get the last starting spot on the team, with the likes of Steve Eminger, Michael Del Zotto and perhaps Pavel Valentenko competing with Bell for the final slot.