The Rangers didn’t go for any of the big names on the first day of NHL free agency, but they did sign three players — one of whom will be familiar to New York hockey fans.
The Blueshirts signed Michael Grabner, who was with the Islanders two seasons ago, as well as Adam Clenending and Nathan Gerbe. The team announced all three signings on Twitter Friday afternoon.
Grabner, 28, was with the Islanders from 2010 until 2015, totaling 144 points (90 goals, 54 assists) in five seasons. The speedy forward was traded to the Maple Leafs before the start of last season and had 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 80 games.
Clenending has 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in parts of two NHL seasons. The 23-year-old defenseman split last season with the Penguins and Oilers, scoring one goal and tallying six assists in 29 games.
Gerbe spent the last three seasons with the Hurricanes. The 28-year-old forward had seven points (three goals, four assists) in 47 games last season. He has 138 points (58 goals, 80 assists) in eight NHL seasons with the Sabres and Hurricanes.
..... - Newsday