Rangers Sign Forwards Arnason & Locke, Re-Sign Parenteau

The New York Rangers added some depth players to their roster on Friday by signing centers Tyler Arnason and Corey Locke to contracts and re-signing right wing Pierre Parenteau. The exact length and terms of their deals were not disclosed, but Arnason’s is a two-way contract. Arnason appeared in 71 games last season for the Colorado Avalanche, scoring five goals and 17 assists for 22 points. In 487 career games with the Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators, he has 88 goals and 157 assists for 245 points. Locke and Parenteau did not appear in any NHL games last season. Locke appeared in 77 games last season for the Minnesota’s AHL affiliate in Houston, scoring 25 goals and 54 assists for 79 points. Parenteau played in 74 games last season for the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford, scoring 29 goals and 49 assists for 78 points. These are really just depth signings for the Rangers and won’t make much of an impact on their team. Of the three, Arnason has the best chance of making the team next season. However, his production has been in constant decline for the past few seasons and he is not a highly motivated player. Look for Arnason to center the fourth line next season, but if he fails to impress, expect him to be sent to the minors. Locke has the potential to be a top-six forward in the league, but has yet to crack the NHL full-time. If he can’t impress the team at training camp, he may never get a shot at playing to his potential. Parenteau has had a very successful career in the minors, but hasn’t been able to bring that success to the NHL. He will be nothing more than a depth forward who will cover for injuries on his team if need be.