2010-2011 NHL Predictions: How Will Ruslan Fedotenko Impact New York Rangers?

Yesterday, the Rangers signed veteran winger Ruslan Fedotenko to a one-year contract. Fedotenko was on a professional-camp tryout with the Rangers starting in early September, and had an excellent camp and preseason with the team.

He played exceptional during the preseason, leading the Rangers in scoring with seven points in five games. He constantly played on a line with agitator, and former enemy, Sean Avery, and the two clicked quickly.

When coach John Tortorella placed prospect Derek Stepan between Fedotenko and Avery, the results were excellent, and became main reasons for both Fedotenko and Stepan to stay on the team.

What Role Will Fedotenko Play on the Rangers?

With veteran forwards Chris Drury and Vinny Prospal heading the IR for the seasons start, the Rangers needed a veteran on somewhere on the forward roster. Fedotenko fits that role, as he has already won two Stanley Cups. He will likely play on the third line with Sean Avery, probably centered by either Derek Stepan, Erik Christensen, or Artem Anisimov.

Stat Expectations

Do not expect Fedotenko to be a huge point producer for the Rangers. I am expecting somewhere around 15 to 20 goals, and 35 to 40 points. Depending on the amount of games played for Fedotenko, his stats will vary.

Playoff Leader

As I have noted, Fedotenko has two Stanley Cup rings under his belt. He won a Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, with John Tortorella as head coach, and he was a playoff hero for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 when they won the Stanley Cup.

In 2004 (with the Lightning) he appeared in 22 playoff games, scoring 12 goals, and 14 points. In 2009 (with the Penguins) he appeared in 17 playoff games, tallying seven goals and 14 points once again. He is an excellent playoff performer, and that will be a major bonus for the Rangers.

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

Have a question for me? Feel free to message me on my B/R profile, send me a message on B/R, or send me an E-mail at [e-mail]. (I am thinking of adding a “Question of the Day” section on each article I post. Comment on the idea below if you like or dislike it.)

You can also follow me on twitter at nickpNYRwriter