The New York Rangers have added to their forward depth with a pair of shrewd signings. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the team has signed both Colin Blackwell and Kevin Rooney to two-year contracts. Blackwell’s deal carries a $725K AAV and is one-way in year two; Rooney’s deal carries a $750K AAV but is expected to be two-way.
Blackwell and Rooney are both 27-year-old Massachusetts natives and collegiate products with strong underlying numbers in limited NHL showings. Blackwell in particular recorded ten points in 27 games with the Nashville Predators this season and looked ready for a full-time NHL role. The Predators were trying to work out an extension with Blackwell, but he likely felt that he could find better opportunity elsewhere. Rooney might have a more limited ceiling, but has more experience and has played well in a fourth line role for the New Jersey Devils in back-to-back seasons of 41+ games.
The Rangers have also added a veteran No. 3 behind their young Russian tandem, inking goaltender Keith Kinkaid to a two-year deal with an $875K AAV, per PuckPedia. Kinkaid will also serve as a sacrificial lamb in the 2021 Expansion Draft, satisfying the under-contract goalie exposure requirement for the Rangers, who will protect Alexandar Georgiev with Igor Shesterkin ineligible.
New York has also agreed to terms with RFA defenseman Brandon Crawley, the team announced. Jonny Brodzinski and Anthony Greco were added later in the night.