The New York Rangers have announced a two-year contract extension for Ben Harpur with a reported AAV of $775,000.
Update: Per CapFriendly AAV is $787,500.
Harpur, 28, has meshed nicely with sophomore defenseman Braden Schneider while registering three points in 18 games since being called up from the Wolf Pack. Per the Rangers press release, New York is 11-4-3 and have allowed the third fewest goals against per game (2.23) since he debuted on December 15.
The 6-6, 231 pound defender was taken by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth-round of the 2013 Draft. He played parts of six seasons with the Sens and the Nashville Predators before joining the Rangers organization on a PTO this season.
Rangers extend Ben Harpur
From the moment Harpur took to the ice with the Rangers, he’s done nothing but impress.
“Steady, steady, steady,” Gallant said. “Comes up, he’s a big-bodied guy with a good stick and he’s played really well.”
Prior to his call up, he played in 17 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL and registered 5 points. More importantly, Harpur earned high praise from his coaches leading to his quick rise up the depth charts.
The veteran defenseman’s journey to this extension is an interesting one considering he spurned the Blueshirts for the Columbus Blue Jackets to sign a PTO back in September. He was cut and took a second chance by signing a PTO with the Wolf Pack.
Harpur then put his head down and went to work earning today’s payoff.
“Yeah, I’m happy to be here, and hopefully I can get settled and get a place and get out of the hotel,’’ Harpur told Newsday earlier this month. “I’ve pretty much lived in a hotel since September, since I went to camp in Columbus. It’s tough living that way.’’
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