The Rangers moved quickly to fill their need for a backup goaltender by signing Martin Biron to a two-year deal deal worth $1.7 million today.
Biron, who will turn 33 next month, is a nine-year NHL veteran who went 9-14-4 while recording a 3.27 GAA for the Islanders last season after previous runs as a No. 1 with Buffalo and Philadelphia.
GM Glen Sather and head coach John Tortorella had focused on obtaining a quality veteran to support Henrik Lundqvist in order to reduce the King’s workload.
Lundqvist matched his career high of 72 starts last year, going 17 straight (and 24 of 25) down the stretch. The Rangers would like to keep their franchise goaltender to approximately 65 starts.
In addition to offered quality in goal, Biron is known throughout the league as an outstanding teammate with an excellent work ethic.
The Rangers later signed enforcer Derek Boogaard to replace Jody Shelley, who signed with the Flyers.
The Rangers also re-signed Vinny Prospal and Erik Christensen.
Prospal scored 20 goals and ranked second on the team in assists (38), points (58), power-play assists (13), even-strength goals (13) and home goals (13), and tied for second in goals, third in power-play goals (six), and ranked fourth in power-play points (19). His one-year deal is worth $1 million with another $1.1 million in reachable bonuses.
Christensen recorded 26 points (8-18) in 49 games for the team after being claimed on waivers from Anaheim on Dec. 2. Christensen signed a two-year deal worth $925,000 per season.