The Rangers and Michael Del Zotto settled their business yesterday morning, the 22-year-old restricted free agent signing a two-year deal worth $2.55 million per in time for the defenseman to join his teammates for the first day of training camp.
After also signing Matt Gilroy — who spent the lockout with the Whale on an AHL contract — to a one-year, $650,000 contract to complete a 22-player roster of two goaltenders, eight defensemen and 12 forwards, the Rangers have approximately $3.99 million of cap space available for this season.
“That was always my ultimate goal, to get something down so I wouldn’t have to miss any of training camp,” Del Zotto said. “I wanted to be a part of it from the start and I knew something would get done, I’m just glad it was sooner rather than later.”
Del Zotto, who led Rangers defensemen in goals, assists and points (10-31-41) last year, played nine games last month in the Swiss League. Coach John Tortorella believes that — plus reaching a timely contract agreement — augers well for Del Zotto.
“At such a young age, if you miss even a minute of camp it’s a bad thing,” Tortorella said. “I know he did a lot of conditioning [in the Swiss League], he said there were some triple-days, so I think that helped him.”
Gilroy, who spent the first two years of his NHL career with the Rangers before splitting last season between Tampa Bay and Ottawa after signing with the Lightning as a free agent, will compete with Steve Eminger and Stu Bickel for the slot as the opening sixth defenseman.
“I think Gilly was really beginning to understand the coaching staff just when he left,” Tortorella said. “I’m happy he’s back.”