That's the latest report from a number of outlets. Sources say the Rangers have nabbed the free agent winger from the Minnesota Wild. The deal is reportedly a five-year contract worth $37.5 million. That's an annual hit of $7.5 million. After trading Scott Gomez away yesterday, the Rangers had stayed quiet most of the day but finally came up with their big prize this evening.
Analysis: When Marian Gaborik is healthy, which he hasn't been at points in his career, he is arguably one of the ten best players in the NHL. He has great skating ability, a lot of speed, can handle the puck, and can shoot, which is what the Rangers care most about. I can see him playing on a line with Dubinsky that will work really well. The money is a lot, but if Gaborik is healthy, which I believe he can be, it will be worth it. The Rangers needed a scorer, and they got it.
As for the other pick-ups thus far, the Rangers signed enforcer Donald Brashear earlier in the day. It was a two-year contract with an average hit of $1.4 million a year.
Analysis: Umm...why? I know the Rangers needed to get tougher, especially with Pronger signing in Philly (and now LaPerriere), but Brashear is one of the biggest punks in the league and cheap shots guys left and right. Re-signing Colton Orr would have been better (ended up in Toronto for $1 million/year) and fans actually like Orr.
As for the Islanders, they nabbed free agent goaltender Dwayne Roloson from the Edmonton Oilers for 2 years and $5 million. He will likely be the back-up to Rick DiPietro, though we all now with his injury problems, Roloson could see some more playing time.
Analysis: Islanders fans should have no problem with this signing. Sure, he's 39 years old, but he ended up playing 63 games for the Oilers last year and nearly led them to the playoffs. If DiPietro is hurt and has to miss time at any point, Roloson should do a decent job filling in. Better than Joey MacDonald or Yann Danis for sure.
Will keep an eye out for other deals if they are made by either team. Otherwise, here are some other notable signings of the day:
-Marian Hossa --> Chicago Blackhawks: 12 years, $62 million...WOW!!!!
-Mike Cammalleri, Hal Gill, Jaroslav Spacek, Brian Gionta --> Montreal Canadiens: Talk about big spending there!
-Henrik and Daniel Sedin --> Vancouver Canucks (return)
UPDATE (9:29): Former Ranger Freddy Sjostrom signs a two-year deal with the Flames for $750,000 a year. If Betts goes, the Rangers will have lost their two key penalty killers, and their PK this coming year might not be as dominant as it was.
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