The New York Rangers announced the signing of defenseman Derrick Pouliot to a two-year contract at the league-minimum cap hit of $775,000. This move comes after Pouliot became an unrestricted free agent following a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he previously contributed to the AHL team, the Syracuse Crunch.
In his last season with the Crunch, Pouliot showcased his skills by achieving career highs with seven goals and 46 assists across 70 games, totaling 53 points. Although he participated in all three playoff games, he did not register any points, and the Crunch was eliminated in the division semifinals.
This contract marks a notable moment for Pouliot, as it is the first multi-year deal he has secured since his entry-level contract. Despite being the eighth overall pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2012, Pouliot has encountered challenges in solidifying a consistent role in the NHL. His career has spanned twelve seasons and multiple teams, including stints with the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and others, though his impact has often been limited.
The Rangers are actively reshaping their roster this summer, highlighted by the acquisitions of Vladislav Gavrikov and Taylor Raddysh, while also re-signing Will Cuylle. They recently made trades involving Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller, leaving them with approximately $778,000 in salary cap space as they prepare for the upcoming season and need to address five minor league restricted free agents.
Overall, Pouliot’s return to a league-minimum contract offers a sense of stability as he aims to find success with the Rangers, demonstrating that perseverance can lead to new opportunities even after facing challenges.