The Rangers announced today that they have come to terms with free agent goaltender Miika Wiikman. Wiikman completed his first pro season in North America with a 21-8-3 record for the Hartford Wolf Pack, finishing with a .919 save percentage and a 2.30 goals against average.
Originally targeted by the Rangers in 2006-07 season after a breakout year in the Finnish SM-Liiga, New York was forced to let him return to Europe after the team missed the transfer deadline, and was unable to come to terms with HPK.
Wiikman would eventually make his way to North America again to play for the Wolf Pack this season. Wiikman was largely used as a backup, but outplayed starter Al Montoya to earn the starting job. When Montoya was traded, Wiikman again largely resumed the backup role, this time to David LeNeveu, an impending free agent this Summer.
The Swedish native will likely return to play for Hartford this coming season, but could see some action if the Rangers are unable to resign Steve Valiquette or suffer an injury.