The Rangers have re-signed Paul Mara to a one year contract worth $1.9M. This deal makes sense in some ways for the Rangers, it adds a veteran presence on the blue line while also adding depth to the position. This leaves the team with six defenceman; Redden, Rozsival, Girardi, Staal, Kalinin, Mara. This enables the Rangers to not have to rush Bobby Sanguinetti or Michael Sauer to the NHL. At the same time there is a lot of belief that Sanguinetti is ready to play in the NHL, so where can he fit into the lineup? Most likely Kalinin will lose the ice time if Sanguinetti can stay on Broadway.
Although the defensive core does not have any real serious bangers in it, its much stronger than last season. Surely Girardi and Staal will have another year of full season experience that will surely improve there play, especially Staal. The Rangers are looking for Staal’s offensive game to evolve and he also has the potential to be a hard hitting defenceman with that big frame of his.
Although the Redden and Rozsival contracts are bloated and too long, Mara and Kalinin are signed to one year deals. This leaves open the opportunity for Sanguinetti, Sauer, Potter and Del Zotto to get playing time two seasons from now.
Mara was the best option out there at this point in free agency, and they didn’t overpay him. Not a bad signing.
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