Rangers add Gomez, Drury

NEW YORK-- The Rangers added two pieces to an already half-completed puzzle on Saturday, as they signed veteran centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez.

Both centers will command an average salary over the US$7 million mark.

Drury and Gomez were the most sought after centers after Daniel Briere had been taken off the market.

Gomez will maintain an average salary of US$7.3 million, while Drury's will be around US$7.05 million.

Both Drury and Gomez had no desire to return to their 06/07 clubs, who took their signings for granted. They also wanted a chance to win, and a shot at a more important role.

Drury and Gomez will not have to leave the state of New York to join their new club, since they previously played in Buffalo and New Jersey, two suburbs of the Big Apple.

The Rangers are now a serious cup contender, they possess 3 of the best players in the NHL, and one of the 5 best goalies in the league.

7/1/07 UFA SIGNINGS

Colorado Avalanche sign F Ryan Smyth:
5 years at US$31.25 million (Front-loaded)


St. Louis Blues sign LW Paul Kariya:
3 years at US$18 million (US$6 million per season)


New York Islanders sign RW Jon Sim:
3 years


Colorado Avalanche signs D Scott Hannan:
4 years at US$18 million (US$4.5 million per season)


Pittsburgh Penguins sign G Dany Sabourin:
2 years at US$1.025 million (US$0.5125 thousand per year)


Washington Capitals sign C Viktor Kozlov:
2 years at US$5 million (US$2.5 million annually)


Note: Kozlov will be Ovechkin's centerman next season

New York Rangers sign C Chris Drury:
5 years at US$35.25 million (US$7.05 per season)


New York Rangers sign C Scott Gomez:
7 years at US$51.5 million (US$7.35 million per season)


Toronto Maple Leafs sign LW Jason Blake:
4 years at US$20 million (US$5 million per season)


Tampa Bay Lightning sign RW Michel Ouellet:
2 years at US$2.5 million (US$1.2/US$1.3)


Note: Ouellet will likely replace Ruslan Fedotenko in the Bolts' lineup.

Florida Panthers sign RW Radek Dvorak:
2 years


Boston Bruins sign RW Shawn Thornton:
Multi-year contract


Chicago Blackhawks sign C Yanic Perreault:
1 year at US$1.5 million


Note: Michal Handzus' return to the 'Hawks now seems questionable.

Detroit Red Wings sign D Brian Rafalski:
5 years at US$ 30 million (US$6 million per season)


Calgary Flames sign D Cory Sarich:
5 years at US$18 million (US$ 3.6 per season)


Note: Roman Hamrlik will not re-sign with the Flames.

Anaheim Ducks sign D Mathieu Schneider:
2 years at US$ 11.25 million (US$5.5/US$5.75)


Note: Scott Niedermayer seems to be on the verge of retirement.

Philadelphia Flyers sign C Daniel Briere:
8 years at US$52 million (1st year: US$10 million)


Florida Panthers sign LW Richard Zednik:
2 years at US$3.25 million (US$1.5/US$1.75)


Washington Capitals sign D Tom Poti:
4 years at US$14 million (US$3.5 million per season)


Atlanta Thrashers sign C Todd White:
4 years at US$9.5 million (US$2.375 million per season)