The New York Rangers have signed free agent forward Lee Stempniak. The exact terms of the deal have not yet been officially disclosed but it is reportedly a one-year contract with an annual average value of $900,000.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with free agent forward Lee Stempniak. pic.twitter.com/XgDcE2nT20
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 19, 2014
Stempniak, 31, played in 73 combined games for both the Flames and Penguins last season. He was traded from the Flames to the Penguins at the NHL trade deadline, with the Flames getting a third round pick in return. He tallied 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points over that time period. In the playoffs, Stempniak had two goals and one assist in 13 games with the Penguins.
Throughout his nine-year career in the NHL, the New York native has accumulated 150 goals and 341 total points in 637 NHL games.
Stempniak was originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round, 148th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
For Rangers general manager Glen Sather, acquiring another player at this point was a necessary move. After losing a number of key components to their recent Stanley Cup contending roster, being able to add another piece back in to the puzzle is a positive sign for the Blueshirts.
A veteran presence like Stempniak has the ability to contribute to New York’s organization in a variety of ways. He’s a dependable bottom-six player that has the skill set to potentially move further up in the lineup when needed. At less than $1 million for his services and for only one year, there’s virtually no risk involved for Sather and the Rangers.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thanks for reading! Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @dasimonetta. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Main Photo:
