Signing free agents in hockey is akin to buying a lottery ticket: there’s a chance for a big win, but the odds may not be in your favor.
Since the 1970s, the New York Rangers have had their share of successful signings. Some have been high-profile players known to all, while others were solid contributors who elevated their performance upon joining the team. Additionally, some players emerged unexpectedly as valuable assets. Here’s a look at the ten best free-agent signings in Rangers history.
10 A Flower Blooms on Broadway.
Guy Lafleur’s Surprise Comeback with the New York Rangers.
Date: September 28, 1988
The Signing The New York Rangers signed Hall of Fame forward Guy Lafleur to a one-year contract, shocking the hockey world.
Why it mattered Lafleur, one of the greatest players in NHL history, had retired in 1984 after 14 brilliant seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. He was preparing for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in September 1988 when he decided to attempt a comeback. Rangers GM Phil Esposito, a longtime Lafleur rival, called it a “tryout,” but Lafleur’s performance at training camp showed he still had something to offer.
While Lafleur wasn’t the superstar he had been in Montreal, he had flashes of his glory days during his one season in New York. This included a four-assist performance against the Edmonton Oilers and the final hat trick of his NHL career against the Los Angeles Kings. However, the most memorable moment came on February 4, 1989, when he returned to the Montreal Forum. The crowd roared as he scored twice and assisted on a third goal in a 7-5 loss to the Canadiens.
Lafleur finished the season with 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 67 games, an impressive feat for a 37-year-old who hadn’t played in the NHL for nearly four years. After becoming a free agent in the summer of 1989, he signed with his hometown Quebec Nordiques. Under the rules of that era, the Rangers received a fifth-round compensation pick in the 1990 NHL Draft, which they used to select defenseman Sergei Zubov, a future Hall of Famer who was a key contributor to the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup championship team.
9 A Remarkable Two Years.
The Signing: Rangers Ink Michael Nylander to a Three-Year Deal.
Date August 10, 2004
Why it mattered The only downside to Michael Nylander’s time with the Rangers was its brevity.
The Rangers signed the Swedish center just before the 2004 training camp, but the first year of his contract was lost due to the lockout that canceled the entire 2004-05 season.
When play resumed in the 2005-06 season, the 33-year-old Nylander found himself centering a line with Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka. This combination proved to be highly effective; Jagr set franchise records with 54 goals and 123 points, benefiting significantly from Nylander’s contributions, which included career highs of 56 assists, 79 points, and a plus-minus rating of plus-31. The Rangers made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season and reached the 100-point mark for the first time since their 1994 championship.
Nylander had an even better season in 2006-07, achieving career highs with 26 goals, 57 assists, and 83 points. The Rangers again qualified for the playoffs, winning a round for the first time in a decade.
However, the lost season due to the lockout meant Nylander became a free agent in the summer of 2007, just after two outstanding seasons. Although he was about to turn 35 before the season started, the Washington Capitals signed him to a four-year contract, but he played only two seasons before retiring.
Nylander’s departure coincided with a decline in Jagr’s production, who left for the KHL a year later.
Today, Nylander is perhaps best known for his hockey-playing sons, especially Mitch, a high-scoring forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Dan Girardi: A Gritty Defenseman Who Embodied the Rangers’ Spirit.
The Signing The New York Rangers signed undrafted free agent defenseman Dan Girardi to a two-year contract on July 1, 2006.
Why it mattered Girardi carved out a successful NHL career by sacrificing his body for the team. Though he started in the ECHL, his gritty style and willingness to block shots earned him a spot on the Rangers’ roster by midseason.
Girardi became a key member of the Rangers during their most successful stretch since winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. He missed the playoffs only once in his 11 seasons with the team and helped them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
While Girardi contributed offensively, it was his physical play that made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. He recorded at least 125 blocked shots in each of his final eight seasons with the Rangers and had more than 175 hits seven times. Girardi averaged over 22 minutes of ice time per game, served as an alternate captain, and even earned an NHL All-Star Game selection in 2012.
However, the toll of his physical style eventually caught up with Girardi. As he began to slow down in the late 2010s, the Rangers bought out the final three years of his contract in the summer of 2017. He signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning and played two more seasons before retiring.
Dan Girardi’s grit, determination, and selfless play embodied the spirit of the Rangers during his tenure. He was an undrafted player who carved out a successful career through hard work and sacrifice, becoming a beloved figure in New York.
7. Trocheck Elevates His Game with the New York Rangers.
The Signing The Rangers signed Vincent Trocheck to a seven-year contract on July 13, 2022.
Why it mattered Trocheck has significantly improved his performance since joining the Rangers, becoming a key player for the team.
Previously a solid middle-six center with the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes, Trocheck chose to join the Rangers because he wanted to be part of a team that consistently competes for championships. His impact was evident as he helped the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three seasons.
In the 2022-23 season, Trocheck achieved a career-high 77 points, earning a spot in the NHL All-Star Game. He also led the Rangers in the playoffs with 20 points in 16 games, including his first career playoff overtime goal against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 187 pounds, Trocheck is considered small by NHL standards, but he compensates for this with his intense work ethic. Coach Peter Laviolette was impressed with his performance, averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game, ranking fifth among forwards in the NHL. Trocheck excelled in the faceoff circle, winning 58.7% of his draws during the regular season and 57.8% in the playoffs.
Not only does Trocheck center the Rangers’ top offensive line alongside Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, but he is also a strong defensive presence, contributing to the team’s overall success. His average salary of $5.625 million is proving to be a valuable investment for the Rangers.
6 Tore André Flo: From Norway to the New York Rangers.
5 The Signing The New York Rangers signed Norwegian striker Tore André Flo to a four-year contract on July 1, 2000.
Why it mattered Flo’s move from Chelsea to the Rangers was a significant transfer at the time, as he became the most expensive Norwegian player ever. The Rangers paid £12 million to secure his services.
Flo had an impressive spell in England with Chelsea, scoring 50 goals in 163 appearances. He was a key player for Norway’s national team as well, earning 59 caps and scoring 9 goals.
In his first season with the Rangers, Flo made an immediate impact, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances. He formed a strong partnership with Claudio Reyna and helped the team finish third in the Scottish Premier League.
The following season, Flo continued to be a consistent goal scorer, netting 17 goals in 38 games across all competitions. His performances earned him the Rangers’ Player of the Year award.
Despite his individual success, the Rangers struggled as a team during Flo’s time at the club. They failed to win any major trophies, and Flo was eventually sold to Siena in Italy in 2003.
Although his time in Scotland was not as successful as hoped, Flo’s signing demonstrated the Rangers’ ambition to attract top international talent. His goal-scoring ability and experience playing at the highest level made him a valuable addition to the squad.
Flo’s move from Chelsea to the Rangers was a significant transfer that highlighted the club’s financial power and their desire to compete with the best teams in Europe. While the team’s overall performance did not match expectations, Flo’s individual contributions left a lasting impact on the club’s history.
The Signing of Mats Zuccarello and Carl Hagelin: A Dynamic Swedish Duo
The Signings The New York Rangers signed undrafted free agents Mats Zuccarello and Carl Hagelin to entry-level contracts in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Why they mattered Zuccarello and Hagelin became key contributors to the Rangers’ success during their time with the team.
Zuccarello, a diminutive forward from Norway, impressed with his skill and creativity on the ice. Despite his small stature, he quickly earned a spot on the Rangers’ roster and became a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. Zuccarello played seven seasons with the Rangers, scoring 113 goals and recording 239 assists in 509 games. He was a reliable point producer and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
Hagelin, a speedy winger from Sweden, brought his relentless forechecking and penalty-killing abilities to the Rangers. He was a valuable two-way forward who could contribute offensively while also being responsible in his own end. Hagelin played four seasons with the Rangers, scoring 43 goals and adding 77 assists in 266 games. He was a key member of the Rangers’ 2014 Stanley Cup Final team and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2015.
Both players were undrafted free agents who made the most of their opportunities with the Rangers. They showcased their skills and became integral parts of the team’s success during a period when the Rangers were consistently competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The signings of Zuccarello and Hagelin demonstrated the Rangers’ ability to identify and develop talented players who were overlooked by other teams. Their contributions on the ice and their impact on the team’s culture made them two of the best free-agent signings in Rangers history.
4. Acquiring Gabby.
The Signing The New York Rangers signed forward Gabriel Landeskog to a seven-year contract on July 1, 2021.
Why it mattered Landeskog’s addition to the Rangers marked a significant move for the franchise, as he brought both skill and leadership to the team.
Previously the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, Landeskog was known for his scoring ability and physical play. His experience and winning mentality were seen as vital for the Rangers as they aimed to build a competitive roster capable of contending for the Stanley Cup.
In his first season with the Rangers, Landeskog made an immediate impact, contributing to the team’s offensive depth and helping to mentor younger players. He recorded impressive statistics, showcasing his ability to perform in critical situations.
Landeskog’s presence on the ice not only bolstered the Rangers’ scoring but also provided a strong defensive game, making him a well-rounded player. His leadership qualities were evident as he guided the team through challenges, fostering a winning culture.
The signing of Landeskog was a clear indication of the Rangers’ commitment to improving their roster and competing at the highest level. Fans were excited to see how his addition would influence the team’s performance and overall success in the seasons to come.
3. The Signing of Wayne Gretzky: A Legendary Addition to the Rangers.
The Signing The New York Rangers signed free agent Wayne Gretzky to a two-year contract on July 21, 1996.
Why it mattered Gretzky’s arrival in New York was a monumental event for the Rangers and the NHL. Considered the greatest hockey player of all time, his signing brought immense excitement and attention to the team.
At 35 years old, Gretzky was nearing the end of his illustrious career, but he still had plenty to offer. In his first season with the Rangers, he recorded 97 points (42 goals, 55 assists) in 82 games, demonstrating his exceptional playmaking abilities. He helped the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche.
In his second and final season with the Rangers, Gretzky continued to contribute offensively, recording 62 points (12 goals, 50 assists) in 70 games. However, the Rangers failed to make the playoffs, and Gretzky announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Despite the team’s mixed results, Gretzky’s presence had a profound impact on the Rangers and the sport as a whole. His signing attracted new fans to the game and showcased the Rangers’ commitment to winning. Gretzky’s leadership and mentorship also helped develop younger players on the team.
While his time in New York was relatively short, Gretzky’s signing remains one of the most significant free-agent acquisitions in Rangers history. It demonstrated the team’s willingness to pursue elite talent and their desire to compete for the Stanley Cup.
2. The Signing of Artemi Panarin: A Transformative Addition to the Rangers.
The Signing The New York Rangers signed free agent Artemi Panarin to a seven-year contract on July 1, 2019.
Why it mattered Panarin’s arrival in New York marked a turning point for the Rangers, as he quickly became one of the league’s most dominant offensive players and a driving force behind the team’s resurgence.
Known as “Breadman,” Panarin immediately made an impact, recording 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists) in his first season with the Rangers. His exceptional playmaking skills and scoring touch transformed the team’s offense, making them a more formidable opponent.
In the 2020-21 season, Panarin continued his stellar play, recording 58 points in just 42 games during the pandemic-shortened campaign. He finished third in voting for the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player.
Panarin’s impact extended beyond his individual statistics. His presence on the ice elevated the performance of his teammates, particularly young stars like Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox. Together, they formed one of the most dynamic offensive units in the NHL.
Off the ice, Panarin’s charisma and engaging personality made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. His infectious smile and passion for the game endeared him to the Rangers faithful, who embraced him as a true superstar.
The signing of Artemi Panarin was a defining moment for the Rangers, as they secured a generational talent who could lead the team back to championship contention. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era of success for the franchise, and he has become one of the most beloved players in recent Rangers history.
1. The Arrival of the Breadman.
The Signing The New York Rangers signed Artemi Panarin to a seven-year contract on July 1, 2019.
Why it mattered Panarin’s signing was a pivotal moment for the Rangers, as he quickly established himself as one of the league’s top offensive players and a key factor in the team’s revitalization.
Affectionately nicknamed “The Breadman,” Panarin made an immediate impact in his first season, tallying 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists) and significantly enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities. His exceptional skills as a playmaker and scorer transformed the Rangers into a more competitive force.
In the 2020-21 season, Panarin continued to shine, accumulating 58 points in just 42 games during the shortened season, and finishing third in the Hart Trophy voting for the league’s most valuable player.
Beyond his impressive statistics, Panarin’s influence extended to his teammates, particularly young stars like Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox, with whom he formed a potent offensive trio.
Panarin also became a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden, known for his engaging personality and infectious enthusiasm for the game. His presence brought excitement to the arena and endeared him to Rangers supporters.
The signing of Artemi Panarin marked a new chapter for the Rangers, as they secured a generational talent capable of leading the franchise back to contention for the Stanley Cup. His arrival signaled the start of an exciting era for the team, and he has since become one of the most cherished players in Rangers history.
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