The New York Rangers continue to add forward depth to their already jammed up line-up. On Thursday it was reported they signed 25-year-old Brando Pirri to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million. This happens to create more of a question of what the Rangers actual line-up may look come opening night on Oct. 13.
For the Rangers, this is a great deal for a young forward who has played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers. He is an under-the-radar type deals that the Rangers may have gotten a bargain for. This does however have many thinking the Rangers have a potential deal up their sleeve to fix the weakened blue-line.
There is no more Keith Yandle and you have to hope both Marc Staal and Dan Girardi have bounce back years. Many rumors have begun to fly the Rangers are adding this type of depth to secure a possibility of Rick Nash being traded to the Blues for newly named alternate captain Kevin Shattenkirk. Those rumors have been flying around all summer long but with this latest signing it could begin to heat up once more as we approach the start of training camps.
Pirri scored 14 goals last season in 63 games split between the Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers. In the 2014-15 season he scored 22 goals in just 49 games in his second year with the Panthers. He was drafted in the second round by the Blackhawks in 2009. Pirri can put the puck in the net and can be a valuable signing if all goes well.
Right now, the Rangers have 16 forwards under contract vying for 13 spots. Like I said, it would be interesting to see what creative move is next for general manager Jeff Gorton who now has just $1.4 million in cap room to work with.
For what’s it’s worth, during the conference call to announce the Jimmy Vesey signing, Gorton said “we are never satisfied with our team and we are always looking to improve and get better in different areas”.
Let’s see what happens next……
To be continued…….