Rangers sign Arnason, two others

July 3, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

In a move that may or may not impact the 2009-10 roster, the Rangers signed free agent center Tyler Arnason. Apparently, it’s a two-way contract meaning that if the 30 year-old veteran doesn’t impress, he can be sent down to Hartford.

What a drop off for a guy who once was a capable support scorer. Only three years ago in his first season in Denver, he tallied 49 points including a career-tying 33 assists. However, the last two years with the Avs saw his production dramatically level off going from 31 points in 2007-08 to just 22 this past season including a career worst minus-16 rating.

I guess this could be an indication that the Blueshirts plan to give Artem Anisimov every chance to win the third line job. They sure don’t have much wiggle room, still needing to get Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Lauri Korpikoski and recently acquired Chris Higgins done along with Corey Potter, Brian Boyle and possibly Nikolai Zherdev if he doesn’t bolt for the KHL. Regarding the Russian enigma, if he truly believes he’s going to use that as a chip, Dac vee daniyah!

At best, I could see Arnason competing with Boyle and rookie Brodie Dupont for the fourth line. There was talk that the club was pursuing Saku Koivu but thankfully, that seems to have cooled considerably with the Wild possibly looking to add the older brother of Mikko. How fitting would that be? You already got The Sedins with Vancouver in that division and just maybe the Koivus. That’d be pretty fun to watch when they faced each other. When’s the last time that happened?

Signing Arnason wasn’t the only move as the team also re-signed minor leaguer P.A. Parenteau and former Hab prospect Corey Locke. The latter was a big scorer in juniors who Montreal took in the 2003 fourth round. But he’s 5-9, 168 and that hasn’t translated with him getting only one NHL game in 2007-08 before spending last season in Houston following a trade to Minnesota. He’s been a good point producer in the ‘A.’ Is it possible Ranger brass thinks they found a diamond in the rough? As much as I’d love to see it, he’ll probably wind up with the Wolf Pack.

The club also signed Chris Chappell, whose size has impressed in Rookie Camp. He’s 21 and goes 6-4, 212 and plays left wing. Figure him to compete for a job in Hartford.

That’ll do it as far as the Rangers. A lot lighter than the fireworks on Day One landing big ticket Marian Gaborik and loathed goon Donald Brashear. Regarding Brash, who I once was a fan of when he could also contribute offensively along with his fisticuffs, apparently John Tortorella was the one who wanted him and forced Colton Orr out. So, those blasting easy target Glen Sather might want to re-think their position.

I’m not at all surprised as Orr after playing all 82 in the regular season was scratched the final couple of games against the Caps. His ice-time diminished under Tort, who’s more of a three-line coach who works the other line in when the team needs a boost. Big differemce from Tom Renney, who sometimes was too loyal to that line.

While Orr and Freddy Sjostrom found new teams, Blair Betts is still out there with it looking like Edmonton isn’t a choice. Wonder if he’ll wind up in Calgary? Might the Devils give him a call to cross the Hudson as a John Madden replacement? That wouldn’t be a bad choice even if Lou Lamoriello has indicated he wants Rod Pelley to assume the role. The same guy who didn’t get one game last season. If he’s ready for such an important role, then it’s moot. But Betts probably wouldn’t cost much and is a Devil type player who their fans would appreciate.

Guess we’ll have to wait and see on where Bettsie winds up.