Rangers free agent frenzy signings highlighted by Viktor Stalberg and Raphael Diaz
If today marked the first “official” day on the job for new GM, Jeff Gorton, then it was a good one. The Rangers filled out their roster and added some organizational depth pieces in a handful of signings today.
Stalberg (NHL)
“Another man’s garbage is another man’s treasure.” That’s exactly what could be happening here with Stalberg, who was a bust in Nashville. Just a few days ago, the Predators placed him on unconditional waivers for a buyout. Today, the Blueshirts added the 6’3″ winger to their roster as either a 4th liner or extra forward.
Stalberg was an excellent role player for the Blackhawks when they won their 2013 Championship. He averaged a little over 10 minutes of ice during that run and added 3 assists to the Hawks cause. He was not used on special teams.
Being on a winning team lands you big contracts and the Predators signed him to a 4 year deal and were left holding the bag after he scored only eight goals in 70 games. A far cry from the 22 he netted for Chicago in 2011-12. He only appeared in 25 games last season, and spent a majority of the year in the AHL.
Stalberg brings some size and speed to the lineup, but very little in the offensive creativity department. Look for him to be in and out of the lineup for most of the season. At 1.1M AAV on the cap for one year, not a bad deal.
Stalberg at $1.1M, Diaz $700,000 as NYR free agent signees
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 1, 2015
Raphael Diaz
“What’s old is new again!” That best describes bringing back Diaz to the Rangers for depth on the bullion should (and when) injury occur. Diaz has some offensive ability with a great shot from the point.
That’s a nice for the positives, but his lanky frame and lack physicality on defense hurt. Do not expect to see too much of Diaz this year. He will only be used in spot starts should a Rangers regular need a day off. Any longterm injury and Brady Skjei or even Dylan McIlrath would get the long look.
GORTON’S TAKE
[su_quote cite=”Jeff Gorton via SNYRANGERS” url=”https://snyrangersblog.com/coachesgm/glen-sather/updating-glen-sather-and-jeff-gorton-conference-call/#more-150003″]We have added some pretty good players and depth but to say yes right now is tough. We will know as we move forward and see if we can add players. I would like to say yes but you would probably disagree with me.”[/su_quote]
“MINOR” MOVES
Below are moves that will help the Hartford Wolf Pack, especially since Oscar Lindberg is expected to make the big club.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with forward Brian Gibbons pic.twitter.com/SVeJMF4apR — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2015
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with forward Matt Lindblad pic.twitter.com/4kVAKD4wUH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2015
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with forward @Jayson_Megna. pic.twitter.com/awBsBa9Ype
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2015
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