While it appears that the No. 1 priority this offseason for the New York Rangers -- finding a top-line center in Brad Richards -- will have to wait until at least another day, general manager Glen Sather did make a signing for the fourth line today.
His first order of business of the day was inking 6-foot-5, 230-pound center Mike Rupp to a three-year, $4.5 million deal. The 31-year-old played the last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring nine goals and tallying eight assists last year. Bringing him to New York was obviously not a move to bring that scoring punch/talent that coach John Tortorella felt this team was lacking, but it does bring an able tough body, who is very good in the faceoff circle. Many have all spoke of the center's great character -- and for a team that has formed an identity, it wouldn't be worth it to bring in someone with any kind of character issues.
Rupp expressed his happiness for the signing on his twitter account, saying, he's "honored to be part of the Rangers."
Backup goalie Martin Biron -- who is never lost for words -- also gave his thumbs on the signing, which was quoted on ESPN NY.
"He's going to bring a lot of size and he's big forward," Biron said. "He's very smart getting to the front of the net with his size and it's hard to move him around and he can contribute in any aspect of the game. He's a pretty tough guy and can talk with his fists but he's a force who can play the power play and every situation. With what the Rangers are trying to put together as a club, his addition is going to help toward that identity."
It remains to be seen what will happen with the other forwards lower on the depth chart, but it certainly doesn't bode well for guyslike Erik Christensen, Sean Avery or Wojtek Wolski. Let's see what else is up Sather's sleeves in the coming days ...