Rangers Roundup: Tarasenko signs with Sens, and Shoulder Check Showcase
The New York Rangers are well into the offseason preparing for the 2023-24 campaign. News at this time of year is scarce, but we can expect things to ramp up later next month.
While fans await Alexis Lafreniere to sign his next contract, let’s check in on the latest news and notes related to the Blueshirts.
Related: When will Rangers and Alexis Lafreniere come to terms
Rangers Roundup: Vladimir Tarasenko signs with Senators
Tarasenko, 31, notched 50 points in 69 games last season. He recorded 21 of those points in 31 contests wearing a Rangers sweater. Many fans were holding out hope that the winger would re-sign with the team after a solid postseason gathering 3 goals and 4 points in 7 playoff matches.
Unfortunately, having very little salary cap room that was never a real possibility.
It’s been a long summer for Tarasenko, who switched agents after it was believed he turned down multi-million dollar offers from the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators. Of course, the flat cap which is due to the pandemic shortened seasons is why the market has been difficult for many players.
“We’ve had conversations with Vladdy and his wife, Yana,” Agent Pat Brisson told ESPN earlier this month. “This isn’t something we’re rushing into. We’re making sure that we’re educating ourselves and them. We’re going to hopefully make a decision in the near future.”
Apparently that decision was to sign a one-year deal with the Senators on Thursday night for $5 million. The deal makes sense on multiple levels for Tarasenko as Ottawa has good offensive players in Tim Stutzle and Claude Giroux to play with. Additionally, if the Sens are out of the playoffs come the trade deadline, Tarasenko could be dealt at 50% retained to a contender.
Bottom line, a strong season will help him cash in next summer when the cap ceiling goes up by $4 million. Plus, another deadline reunion with the Rangers becomes more probable now.
Note: Per CapFriendly, the deal has a no-trade clause
Rangers players to play in Shoulder Check Showcase
Several current and former members of the Rangers will participate in a charity event to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, Barclay Goodrow, and Jonathan Quick will all be suiting up. Former Blueshirts defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will also play. In addition, Martin St. Louis who was part of the magical 2014 run to the Cup will coach and Dave Maloney will MC.
The Shoulder Check Showcase takes place at the Terry Connors Rink in Stamford, Connecticut on August 3rd. The game honors the memory of Hayden Thorsen, who played for the Mid-Fairfield Junior Rangers.
For more information, check out the official website.
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