The list of unsigned Rangers is down to three following the signing of restricted free agent center Artem Anisimov to a generous contract worth $1.875 million per for two years.
Earlier Friday, the Rangers signed defenseman Michael Sauer to a two-year deal worth $1.25 million per season.
Anisimov, the 23-year-old pivot who has played two full years with the Rangers, more than doubled his base salary despite lacking arbitration eligibility. It is believed he had received at least one offer from a KHL club.
Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle are the Rangers’ restricted free agents without contracts. All three players have filed for salary arbitration.
Anisimov centered Callahan and Dubinsky on what was the club’s top line for much of last season. The 6-4, 200-pounder recorded 44 points (18-26), but struggled over the last month and in the five-game, first-round playoff defeat to Washington.
Sauer, who was a revelation as a 23-year-old rookie, filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday, but that was merely a procedural necessity as contract negotiations continued before reaching fruition late Thursday.
Sauer, who paired with fellow American Ryan McDonagh to form a reliable tandem, led the Rangers with a plus-20 rating that ranked fourth among all NHL rookies. The St. Cloud, Minn., native recorded 15 points (3-12) in 76 games after earning a spot in the lineup off a very strong training camp.