New York Rangers Sign Blake Wheeler and Jonathan Quick

The New York Rangers are signing Blake Wheeler to a one-year deal worth $800,000. As part of the deal, he will receive a $300,000 signing bonus.

The #NYR have signed Blake Wheeler to a one-year contract, per @MollieeWalkerr pic.twitter.com/RDW1xNObzP

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This is a solid addition to the Rangers who were looking to add on the right wing. Wheeler was added to the free-agent list yesterday after being bought out by the Winnipeg Jets. It was no surprise that his time in Winnipeg ended because of the tension in the room between him and the coach. We all know what happened at the end of the season with the press conference, but his time was coming to an end when he was stripped of the captaincy.

This is a value deal for a player that can play in all three phases. He will also insulate Alex Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko on the right wing. Wheeler does not have to do too much and while he will bring leadership he will not be the captain. He is an American playing for a team he always wanted to play for. Again it is a depth signing for a Rangers team that is up against the salary cap.

In 65 games with the Jets, Wheeler recorded 45 points (10 goals and 35 assists). In five playoff games, he was one of the better players for Winnipeg recording six points (two goals and four assists). He is a cheap option for a team up against the salary cap. In his 1,118 games, Wheeler has recorded 922 points (312 goals and 610 assists). Still a serviceable player.

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Another cheap option is Jonathan Quick. The Rangers announced they have signed him to a one-year deal worth $825,000 with a $100,000 performance bonus.

Think Quick 😏

It's official. #NYR pic.twitter.com/GbPwYhsUd4

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2023

The Rangers were in need of a backup goalie as Jaroslav Halak has priced himself out of New York. Despite wanting to return, the Rangers salary cap issues would not allow them to keep him. Thus they want to cheap route with Quick.

Quick, born and raised in Connecticut, grew up a Rangers fan and as his career comes to an end he will wear the Rangers jersey for at least one season.

The three-time Stanley Cup winner had a rough last season splitting time between the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings. Remember Quick got traded from LA to Columbus. Then Columbus to Vegas. Quick did not start any playoff games even with the injuries to Logan Thompson and Laurent Brossoit. It was Adin Hill who was the man and he got paid like it too.

It will be interesting to see Quick in this role in New York behind Igor Shesterkin and does it work out especially if there is an injury.

For his career, Quick has a 2.47 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Last year he had a 3.41 GAA and a .882 save percentage.