Multiple reports (Steve Zipay – Twitter, Jesse Spector – Twitter) this morning that the Rangers and free agent left wing/center Tim Kennedy have signed a one year deal. Kennedy became a UFA this summer after being awarded $1M in an arbitration hearing that the Buffalo Sabres elected to walk away from rather than accept.
Drafted in the 6th round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals, Kennedy was traded just over a month later to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a sixth round pick.
The Sabres signed the 5-10 173 pound forward after his junior year with Michigan State, after he put up consecutive years of 49 and 50 points, averaging better than a point a game.
As a rookie in the AHL during the 2008-09 season, Kennedy registered 18 goals and 49 assists in 73 games, earning a debut appearance with the parent Sabres. He followed up that one game with a full season last year, finishing with 10 goals and 18 assists in 78 games.
The Buffalo native was reportedly disappointed that the Sabres elected not to accept the arbiter’s decision, but appears to have found a willing team in the New York Rangers.
The Rangers reportedly project their latest signing – per Andrew Gross on Twitter – to be a center rather than a left wing. This could put pressure on both Todd White and Brian Boyle, as well as add some additional competition to Sean Avery‘s spot.