NY Rangers Acquire John Scott from Blackhawks

The New York Rangers have announced that they have acquired defenseman John Scott from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 29 games so far this season, he has one assist and 48 penalty minutes. A depth move at best for the Rangers, Scott will add some grit, toughness, and great size to their defense. His playing time in Chicago was dwindling, so Chicago did him a favor by moving him to a team that will likely get more use out of him. Also, the Blackhawks did good in landing a fifth round pick for the rugged defenseman and impending free agent.

Panthers Acquire Wojtek Wolski from NY Rangers

The Florida Panthers announced on Saturday that they have acquired center Wojtek Wolski from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Michael Vernace and a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. Wolski will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, while Vernace will be eligible for group six unrestricted free agency. In nine games this season with the Rangers, Wolski had three assists. He also appeared in six games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring three goals and two assists for five points. He missed 31 games earlier this season with a groin injury. Vernace has appeared in 44 games with Norfolk and San Antonio of the AHL, scoring two goals and 14 assists for 16 points. He last played in an NHL game during the 2010-11 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Panthers have added some offensive depth in Wolski, but he has always been an enigmatic scorer at the NHL level. Perhaps the change of scenery can help him get his offensive game back on track. If he can improve his game, then he could be a decent top-six forward for the Panthers. As for the Rangers, Wolski was hardly being used by the team, so the move comes as no surprise. By the looks of it, the team could be moving some salary to make way for a larger trade, so keep an eye on the Rangers over the next two days as the Trade Deadline approaches. As for Vernace, he will likely spend the remainder of the season in the minors.

Wild Acquire Erik Christensen from Rangers for Casey Wellman

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have acquired center Erik Christensen and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the New York Rangers in exchange for right wing Casey Wellman. The draft pick will likely depend on whether or not Christensen re-signs with Minnesota over the summer. In 20 games this season with the Rangers, he had one goal and four assists for five points. He also appeared in five games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring two goals and one assist for three points. In 14 games this season with the Wild, Wellman had two goals and five assists for seven points. He also appeared in 26 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. Christensen wasn't getting very much ice time with the Rangers, so his trade comes as no surprise. He has dealt with inconsistency throughout his NHL career, but he still brings some offensive depth to the Wild. He is excellent on the faceoff and is also good in the shootout. Look for him to play a role on Minnesota's checking lines. Wellman has some offensive upside and lots of speed, but hasn't been able to earn a full-time role in the NHL thus far. The change of scenery may help him earn that NHL roster spot, but for now he will remain in the minors.

NY Rangers Acquire Bouchard from Capitals for Kundratek

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired right wing Francois Bouchard from the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenseman Tomas Kundratek. In nine games so far this season with Hershey of the AHL, Bouchard has no points. Kundratek has two assists in seven games with Connecticut of the AHL. Both players have yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as Bouchard and Kundratek will likely spend the entire season in the minors. However, with Wojtek Wolski and Mike Rupp both currently sidelined with injuries, it is possible Bouchard could see some time on the Rangers' fourth line, but it's an outside chance at this point.

NY Rangers Claim Jeff Woywitka Off Waivers from Canadiens

The New York Rangers have announced that they have claimed defenseman Jeff Woywitka off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens. In 63 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he had two goals and nine assists for 11 points. He has yet to play a game with the Rangers this season. This is purely a depth move for the Rangers, as Marc Staal is currently sidelined with post concussion headaches. Woywitka will bring plenty of size and strength to the blueline as either a sixth or seventh defenseman until Staal returns to the lineup.

Canucks Claim Dale Weise Off Waivers from NY Rangers

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have claimed right wing Dale Weise off waivers from the New York Rangers. In 10 games last season with the Rangers, he had no points and 19 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 47 games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points and 73 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth move for the Canucks, as Weise will likely spend the majority of the season in the minors. If he does see any time with Vancouver, it will likely be on the fourth line, where he will provide plenty of grit and toughness.

NY Rangers Sign Andre Deveaux and Brendan Bell

The New York Rangers have announced that they have signed right wing Andre Deveaux to a one-year contract worth $525,000 and defenseman Brendan Bell to a contract. The exact length and financial terms of Bell's deal were not announced. In 73 games last season with Chicago of the AHL, Deveaux had 23 goals and 23 assists for 46 points and 146 penalty minutes. He last played in the NHL during the 2009-10 season. Bell appeared in 29 games last season with EHC Biel of the Swiss A-League, scoring two goals and nine assists for 11 points. He also played in one game with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, scoring two assists. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the Ottawa Senators. These are really just depth signings for the Rangers, as both players will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

NY Rangers Acquire Thuresson from Predators for Dupont

The New York Rangers have announced that they have acquired right wing Andreas Thuresson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for center Brodie Dupont. In three games last season with the Predators, Thuresson had no points. He also appeared in 76 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points. Dupont appeared in one game last season with the Rangers, going pointless, and also played in 72 games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 31 assists for 45 points. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as both players will likely see quite a bit of time in the minors next season. Although, Thuresson and Dupont could secure fourth line roles if they're impressive enough at training camp in September.

NY Rangers Sign Brad Richards to Nine-Year Contract

The New York Rangers have landed the biggest name on the free agent market. The team announced that they have signed center Brad Richards to a nine-year contract worth $60 million. The deal will pay him $12 million in 2011-12 and 2012-13, $9 million in 2013-14, $8.5 million in 2014-15 and 2015-16, $7 million in 2016-17, and $1 million in 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. Richards was the most coveted player on the 2011 free agent market and it was reported the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs had heavy interest in him. In 72 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he had 28 goals and 49 assists for 77 points. This is an excellent signing for the Rangers, as Richards will bring lots of offensive skill and depth to the team. He also has outstanding playmaking ability, is excellent on the power play, and has some leadership skills. He should be a great fit for the Rangers throughout the duration of the contract.

NY Rangers Re-Sign Ruslan Fedotenko, Add Mike Rupp

The New York Rangers have announced that they have re-signed left wing Ruslan Fedotenko to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million and signed center Mike Rupp to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million. The deal averages out to $1.5 million per season. In 66 games last season with the Rangers, Fedotenko had 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points. He missed 16 games with a shoulder injury. Rupp appeared in 81 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring nine goals and eight assists for 17 points and 124 penalty minutes. These aren't bad signings for the Rangers, as both players will add lots of veteran depth on offense. Fedotenko has good hands, brings some skill to the power play, and can score goals from time to time. He will likely play a top-nine role on the team next season. Rupp brings lots of grit and toughness to the forward lines, as well as some offensive ability and versatility. He should be a good replacement for Derek Boogaard, who died on May 13 of an alcohol and oxycodone related overdose.

NY Rangers Sign John Mitchell to One-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the New York Rangers have re-signed center John Mitchell to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. The Rangers acquired him from the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 28 for a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. In 23 games last season with the Maple Leafs, Mitchell had two goals and one assist for three points. He did not appear in any games with the Rangers after the trade. He also played in 24 games with Toronto and Connecticut of the AHL, scoring eight goals and nine assists for 17 points. He missed 14 games last season with a knee injury. Not a bad depth signing for the Rangers, as Mitchell brings some versatility and two-way skill to the checking lines, as well as a little skill to the power play and penalty kill. Given the offensive depth already on the Rangers' roster, he will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp in September for a fourth line role.

NY Rangers Sign Dale Weise to One-Year Contract

The New York Rangers announced on Monday that they have signed right wing Dale Weise to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 10 games last season with the Rangers, he had no points and 19 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 47 games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points and 73 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Rangers, as Weise will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors. If he does see any time with New York, he will bring plenty of toughness and size to the lineup.

Blues Acquire Evgeny Grachev from NY Rangers

The St. Louis Blues announced on Saturday that they have acquired left wing Evgeny Grachev from the New York Rangers in exchange for a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Rangers then used the pick to select center Steven Fogarty. In eight games last season with the Rangers, he had no points. He also appeared in 73 games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points. Not a bad move for the Blues, as Grachev has lots of offensive and two-way potential. He will likely fight hard for a roster spot at training camp in September.

NY Rangers Sign Chad Kolarik to Contract Extension

The New York Rangers announced on Friday that they have signed right wing Chad Kolarik to a contract extension. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In four games last season with the Rangers, he had no points. He also appeared in 49 games with Springfield and Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 21 goals and 20 assists for 41 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Rangers, as Kolarik will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

NY Rangers Acquire Tim Erixon from Flames for Roman Horak

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired prospect defenseman Tim Erixon and a fifth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft from the Calgary Flames in exchange for prospect left wing Roman Horak, the New York Rangers' own second round pick and the Washington Capitals' second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Rangers had acquired the pick from the Carolina Hurricanes last summer in exchange for Bobby Sanguinetti. The Capitals previously sent the pick to Carolina for Joe Corvo. Immediately after the trade, the Rangers announced they had signed Erixon to a three-year entry level contract. The Flames had until 5 PM today to sign Erixon or he would have re-entered the Entry Draft. He refused to sign a standard entry-level contract because of concerns that he would end up playing in the minors next season given the number of veteran defenseman already on the Flames roster for next season. Horak signed a three-year entry level contract with the Rangers on May 6. In 48 games this past season with Skelleftea, Erixon had five goals and 19 assists for 24 points. Horak had 26 goals and 52 assists for 78 points in 64 games with Chilliwack of the WHL. Not a bad move for both teams, as both players will address needs for the two franchises. The Rangers get a high end defensive prospect in Erixon, while the Flames get a potential scoring forward in Horak. Erixon has good size, the potential to log lots of minutes, and has lots of defensive upside, so he should be a good fit for the Rangers. Horak, who played alongside Flames prospect Ryan Howse in Chilliwack, can score goals and set them up, so he should be a decent all-around forward for Calgary. Plus, the Flames made out well in the deal by getting two second round draft picks and a prospect forward for a prospect they were on the verge of losing for nothing. Look for both players to make a push at making their respective teams in training camp this September.

Doug Weight Announces His Retirement

After 19 seasons in the NHL, NY Islanders center and captain Doug Weight has decided to retire. He will stay on with the team as an assistant coach and a special assistant to general manager Garth Snow. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 18 games this past season with the Islanders, he had two goals and seven assists for nine points. He missed the last 64 games of the regular season with back spasms. In 1238 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Islanders, he has 278 goals and 755 assists for 1033 points. He won the Stanley Cup in 2006 as a member of the Hurricanes and an Olympic Silver Medal in 2002 as a member of Team USA. Weight was always a solid forward throughout his career who saw the ice very well. He was an excellent passer and a proven leader on and off the ice. I wish him all the best in retirement.

NY Rangers Forward Derek Boogaard Passes Away

The New York Rangers announced on Friday evening that left wing Derek Boogaard has passed away. Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune first reported the news on Twitter Friday evening, stating that the 28-year-old forward was found dead in his apartment by his family. An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death. In 22 games this past season with the Rangers, Boogaard had one goal and one assist for two points and 45 penalty minutes. He missed 51 games this past season, as well as all five of New York's playoff games, with a shoulder injury. Boogaard signed a four-year contract with the Rangers on July 1, 2010 worth $6.6 million. In 277 career NHL games with the Minnesota Wild and New York Rangers, he had three goals and 13 assists for 16 points and 589 penalty minutes. This is very tragic news this Friday evening, as it's always very sad to see an NHL player's life cut so short. My deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and teammates of Derek Boogaard.

Coyotes Acquire Ethan Werek from NY Rangers for Oscar Lindberg

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that they have acquired center Ethan Werek from the New York Rangers in exchange for center Oscar Lindberg. In 47 games this past season with Kingston of the OHL, Werek had 24 goals and 28 assists for 52 points, while Lindberg had five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 41 games with Skelleftea HC of the Swedish Elite League. This is really just a depth trade for both teams at this time. Werek will bring some goal-scoring skill and size at center for the Coyotes, while Lindberg will some offensive depth at center for the Rangers.

NY Rangers Acquire John Mitchell from Maple Leafs

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired center John Mitchell from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. Mitchell will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. In 23 games this season with the Maple Leafs, he has two goals and one assist for three points. He has also appeared in nine games with Toronto of the AHL, scoring one goal and four assists for five points. Not a bad depth move for the Rangers, as Mitchell will bring some versatility to the checking lines and skill to the power play and penalty kill. Right now, he is in the minors, so it's possible he could be called up before the end of the season. Mitchell never fit in well with the Maple Leafs, so a new start with the Rangers could help him get his NHL career back on track.

NY Rangers Acquire Bryan McCabe from Panthers for Tim Kennedy, Draft Pick

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired defenseman Bryan McCabe from the Florida Panthers in exchange for center Tim Kennedy and a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. McCabe, who had to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the trade, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, while Kennedy will qualify for restricted free agency at season's end. In 48 games this season with the Panthers, McCabe has five goals and 17 assists for 22 points and 28 penalty minutes. Kennedy has 12 goals and 30 assists for 42 points in 53 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack/Connecticut Whale of the AHL. He has not appeared in an NHL game yet this season. This is a good move for the Rangers, as McCabe will bring some much needed veteran depth and offensive skill to the team's blueline. He also brings a good shot, leadership, skill on the power play, and some toughness to New York's defense. Kennedy will bring the Panthers plenty of energy and playmaking skill up the middle. However, it remains to be seen if he will suit up with Florida or remain in the AHL.