New York Rangers: Lost in The Frenzy—Who Else Did The Rangers Sign This Summer?

Free Agency is like another holiday for hockey fans. It’s the time in which general managers around the NHL sign big-name players to big-time deals.

Glen Sather has made a few big signings himself this summer, including Alexander Frolov, Derek Boogaard, Tim Kennedy, and others. But during this same offseason, he has acquired smaller players such as Jeremy Williams and Jyri Niemi.

I didn’t want all of these smaller signings to be forgotten by Rangers fans, so here is a list of the few “small” signings, and what you may expect from them throughout this season and season to come.

First, let us start with the forwards.

Jeremy Williams (W)

Midway through July, Glen Sather announced the signing of former Maple Leaf Jeremy Williams.

Williams hasn’t spent much time in the NHL, but in his 31 career games, he has a total of nine goals, two assists, and eleven points. He will be at training camp hoping to find a spot on the opening night roster, but with no spots to fill he will have to play extremely well.

If he does make the team for opening night, and it’s not likely that he will, he will likely play on the fourth line. But the way I see him fitting onto the team is as a mid-season call-up for an injured or suspended player.

Derek Stepan (C)

 Every Ranger fan applauded Glen Sather when he was able to sign top prospect Derek Stepan to an entry-level contract. Stepan had an excellent season in Wisconsin, and he will be a Rangers hopeful when training camp comes.

I don’t see Stepan spending time with the Rangers at seasons start, but he may find a job mid-season for an injured or suspended player. Another scenario is if the Rangers are doing miserably and are out of playoff contention by January. He can always be called up then, and spend time long term with the Rangers for the rest of the season.

Stepan has an excellent future ahead of him; there is no reason to rush him to the NHL at seasons start.

Now to the defense:

Jyri Niemi

Glen Sather practically stole young Niemi from the Islanders after trading away a late draft pick for him. Niemi has excellent talent, and I wouldn’t be stunned if he makes the roster opening night (if there are spots open). He is very good in his own end, and he knows how to play a little offense.

Matt McCue

Not long after making a trade to acquire Steve Eminger from the Ducks, Glen Sather swapped prospects with Anaheim, obtaining young defenseman Matt McCue for winger Thomas Zaborsky.

According to scouting reports, Matt McCue is an extremely rough defenseman, and doesn’t hold back on anyone. He is a hard-hitting defenseman, and that is a need for the Rangers right now. Whether or not he is ready to be the Rangers rough-and-tumble defenseman is beyond me. But the fact is that he is one of the rough defenseman the Rangers have in their minor league system (Dylan Mcilrath obviously being the best) and may have a shot at making the team during training camp.

Ryan McDonagh

McDonagh is another superstar Glen Sather has taken away from Wisconsin by signing him to an entry-level deal.

Many believe McDonagh can make the team this coming season, me being one of them, and he will have a shot to do so during training camp. McDonagh is an excellent shut-down defenseman, and if he is given a spot on the Rangers roster this season he will quickly become one of the Rangers best defenders.

The Rangers may also decide to do what they did with Michael Del Zotto and allow McDonagh a season in the minors before becoming a Ranger regular.

Thanks for the read, hope you enjoyed. Feel free to leave a comment below.

Have a question for me? Feel free to email me at [e-mail]