The Rangers have apparently addressed their short term defensive issues, by claiming defenseman Jeff Woywitka off of waivers from the Montreal Canadiens. The 28 year old Canadian blueliner was a former first round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers – 2001 first round, 27th overall – but has spent most of his professional career as a depth defenseman.
New York will be his sixth NHL franchise, having already been part of the Flyers, Oilers, Blues, Stars and Canadiens organizations, playing games in the NHL for the latter three. In 251 appearances in the NHL, he’s recorded 8 goals and 41 assists to go with 141 penalty minutes.
He’s averaged 16:08 of ice time per game over his career, but reached almost 18 minutes per game last year with the Stars. He was signed as a UFA by the Canadiens August 15th, to a one year $650,000 contract.
The move will likely mean the end of any conversations with former Ranger defenseman Paul Mara for a third stint on Broadway.
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