The New York Rangers have added a depth defenseman, signing Fredrik Claesson to a one-year, $700K contract according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. Claesson wasn’t given a qualifying offer by the Ottawa Senators, and reached unrestricted free agency for the first time.
The 25-year old Claesson is a worthwhile gamble for the Rangers, who will retain his rights as a restricted free agent at the end of the contract. After showing well in a limited role in 2016-17, Claesson struggled to really make an impact for the Senators last season and recorded just seven points in 64 games. That made him expendable as the team attempts to rebuild its blue line with or without Erik Karlsson, and this time it’s to the Rangers benefit. A $700K commitment is basically risk-free, as it can be completely buried in the minor leagues if necessary.
If Claesson does prove his 2016-17 is closer to his true talent, the Rangers have added a good all-around defenseman for a reasonable price. The team is working to rebuild their team with more youth and speed, and will ask the former Senator to battle with Marc Staal and John Gilmour for playing time on the left side. At the very least he offers a good injury replacement for the team, or a high-end defenseman for the Hartford Wolf Pack.