In a move that adds some depth to a relatively shallow defensive corps, the Rangers today announced the signing of John Jakopin. Jakopin, a fourth round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 1993, has spent most of his professional career as an NHL call-up. In his six NHL seasons, Jakopin has played just 113 games with the Panthers, Penguins and most recently Sharks, a season that was cut short by injury.
The hefty defenseman is known to be a solid, though not spectacular defenseman as evidenced by his career numbers of 1 goal, 6 assists and 145 penalty minutes in 113 NHL appearances. The veteran defenseman will no doubt be expected to anchor a Hartford Wolfpack blue line that has no other NHL experience and to provide depth in case of injury for their NHL parent.
Rangers get:
John Jakopin, Defense
Birthdate: 5/16/1975
Height/Weight: 6-5/239
Career Record: 1G 6A 7Pts 145PIM in 113 NHL games
2002-03 Stats: 0G 0A 0Pts 11PIM in 12 NHL games