The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with 28-year-old free agent defenseman Steve Eminger for $750,000. Eminger spent the last two seasons in New York after spending time in Washington, Florida, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Anaheim.
Eminger played a total of 42 games last season as he battled injuries. A separated shoulder sidelined him for two months and he also missed time with a bad ankle sprain. In the 107 games he's played with the Rangers since 2010, Eminger averaged 14:34 of ice time. He has scored four goals and dished out seven assists in that span, also recording a +/- of -5.
Here is Adam Rotter of SNYRangers with some reaction to the move:
At this point in the offseason with a likely shortened training camp coming post lockout, bringing back Eminger is a smart move. He knows the players, coaches and system, works hard and is really liked in the locker room. The Rangers will have the same defense that they did last year and will have tremendous depth if Michael Sauer is able to return at some point. Eminger on the third pair is a better situation for the Rangers than a new player who will get rushed through the system during training camp.
For more on the Rangers throughout the offseason, be sure to check out Blue Shirt Banter and SB Nation New York.