Following an embarassing loss to the New Jersey Devils in the opening round of the postseason, the Rangers have wasted no time in improving the team’s chances at a Stanley Cup run next season. What is a better way to gear up for a championship run than to take players that just recently won the Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes? Well, that’s exactly what the Blueshirts did when they signed a center and a defenseman from the ‘Canes. The Rangers have also made a few other moves in hopes of making it back to the postseason, and making a bit more noise in the playoffs.

Rangers sign Aaron Ward to two-year, $5.5 million dollar contract - Ward won his third championship with the Hurricanes, and was regarded as a fearless defender throughout the postseason for the ‘Canes. Ward was 13th in the NHL in blocked shots (164) and even buckled down to block a shot from blue line sniper Chris Pronger in Game 5 of the Finals. “Aaron is another proven winner joining our lineup, having won three Stanley Cup championships,” Sather said. “He brings leadership and experience to our team and adds a competitive edge to our defensive corps.” This was a good move by the Rangers as they now have an experienced and rugged defenseman, with a history of winning.

The Rangers also signed Center Matt Cullen to a four-year deal worth $11.8 million dollars. Cullen had 18 points in the postseason, and played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ quest for the Cup. The Rangers will be looking to Cullen to fill the position that Steve Rucchin will most likely leave behind. Another solid move by the Rangers.

Martin Straka was also given a one-year extention on his contract worth $3.1 million dollars. Straka is one of Jaromir Jagr’s closest friends, and in his first season with the Rangers, Straka played in all 82 games, scoring 22 goals and 54 assists. Straka didn’t score a point in the postseason, but I think his poor play can be attributed to him playing every single game of the season, and being a key player for the Czechs in the Olympics. Many of the Rangers played a full hockey season, as well as a demanding Olympic run. That won’t be much of a problem this year as there is no Olympics, and Coach Tom Renney knows what type of players he has, as he will grow more comfortable with them and both sides will know their limits better.

In a few other notes, the Rangers offered Zdeno Chara more than $7 million over 5 years, but he took the Boston deal for more money. The Rangers have offered Michael Peca of the Edmonton Oilers a contract; the New York Islanders are also pursuing Peca as they want to bring back their Captain. And on one more good note, the Canadiens, Islanders, Penguins, Predators, and Capitals are all interested in Tom Poti, so hopefully some sort of deal goes through in which one of those teams takes Poti off of our hands.

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