The New York Rangers have added another depth piece, re-signing Chad Ruhwedel to a one year contract with a $775,000 cap hit at the NHL level. The Rangers acquired Ruhwedel at last year’s deadline as defensive depth and insurance, but rarely used him despite mounting injuries on the blue line.
Ruhwedel is exactly what you think he is: A depth defender who plays solid defense but won’t add much offensively. The Rangers are likely banking on him being this year’s Erik Gustafsson, playing decent minutes and providing significant value if he winds up as a regular.
Naturally, Ruhwedel’s spot in the lineup depends on how the rest of the offseason shakes out. We have to see what happens after the second buyout window happens.
