New York Rangers sign Julien Gauthier to one-year contract amid trade rumors
The New York Rangers have signed another one of their restricted free agents. This time it is winger Julien Gauthier, who has been extended with a 1-year, one-way deal worth $800,000 per CapFriendly.
Earlier this offseason, Chris Drury extended both Sammy Blais and Vitali Kravtsov.
The Rangers have a lot of work to do this summer with pending RFA Kaapo Kakko likely close to signing a bridge deal.
New York Rangers sign Julien Gauthier
Gauthier, 24, registered 3 goals and 7 points in 49 games with the Blueshirts in 2021-22. He was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes back on February 18, 2020 for defenseman Joey Keane. At that time, the former first-round pick had played only 5 NHL games with one assist.
For his career, the large and speedy winger has accumulated 18 points in 96 contests.
This deal comes amid rumors that Gauthier had requested a trade from the New York Rangers per The Athletic.
While there is still a chance he could be moved, getting him under term was best for both sides. The deal’s structure as a one-way contract means Gauthier’s salary remains the same if he plays in the NHL or AHL and he must pass through waivers.
If the Rangers do indeed trade him, they stand to get more in return with him signed versus trading his rights.
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