Rangers sign three

[TimmyTabasco]

Terms of the Weekes deal were not disclosed, but Straka signed a one-year deal for $3 million, while Malik signed a three-year deal for $2.5 million per season.

"Kevin has demonstrated continued improvement in each of his last six National Hockey League seasons,'' President and General Manager Glen Sather siad. "His years in Carolina were marked by several standout performances and we feel he can provide stability and leadership to our goaltending position while several of our young prospects develop."

Weekes, 30, appeared in 66 games with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2003-04, posting a record of 23-30-11, along with a 2.33 goals against average. He established new career-highs in appearances (66), wins (23), shutouts (6) and goals against average (2.33), while his six shutouts tied for sixth in the NHL and tied a Carolina franchise record.

Straka, 32, is a veteran of 12 NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers and Los Angeles Kings. Straka has skated in 730 career NHL games, registering 192 goals and 338 assists for 530 points, along with 272 penalty minutes.


"Martin is a skilled, character player who plays a complete game," stated Sather. "His skill will complement our team?s offense and special teams play. In addition, his strong leadership and willingness to compete every night will have a significant impact on our young talent."

Last season, Straka appeared in 45 games with HC Lassenberger Plzen in the Czech Republic Extraleague last season, registering 16 goals and 18 assists for 34 points, along with 76 penalty minutes. He led the club with 16 tallies and ranked second with 18 assists and 34 points.

Malik, 30, played in nine NHL seasons with the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks, Malik has skated in 464 career NHL games, registering 27 goals and 87 assists for 114 points, along with 388 penalty minutes. As a member of the Hartford/Carolina organization, he recorded 17 goals and 60 assists for 77 points, along with 291 penalty minutes in 317 contests.

"Marek is a big, strong defenseman who adds a physical presence to our blueline," stated Sather. "His size and skill will bolster our penalty killing unit. He also provides our team with strong leadership and he will be able to work well with our young prospects."
TSN (http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132238)

I didn't even know Malik was a UFA. Anyway, I found this bit quite interesting...

Marek is a big, strong defenseman who adds a physical presence to our blueline," stated Sather. "His size and skill will bolster our penalty killing unit. He also provides our team with strong leadership and he will be able to work well with our young prospects

Is Sather on crack? Malik, strong, and physical don't belong in the same sentence.

Futher evidence below, that yes..Sather is on crack..and I feel for Rangers fans

Malik signed a three-year deal for $2.5 million per season

[Bob burns]

And when was Malik ever a leader? Ahh man Sather what were you smoking today? I know a lot of people think little of Straka, but I think if he can hold himself together next year he can put up huge numbers again. He is one of the most talented players out there; but of course the big thing is can he stay healthy?

[MadDevil]

So let me get this straight...Foote and Aucoin are worth roughly $4 million a year, and somehow Malik is worth $2.5 million? Oh well, just another pylon for the Devils to skate around when they play the Rangers.:D

[Mel]

Of course Sather is going to spin every move to be a good move, like all GM's do. He might be on crack... but not because he sells his team's transactions to the media.

Truth is I don't think the Rangers are going to attract any big names at all. Established quality veterans who have their options pretty much wide open, do not want to be part of a rebuilding team. They want to go win the cup this year.

Frankly that might be a good thing. The fact that the Rangers didn't run straight out and try to ink someone like Hatcher to a 5 year deal, shows me that they are sincere in their proclamations of a youth movement.

These have "filler" signings written all over them. Guys to fill out the lineup. Straka for one year? *Yawn*

Sather flat out talks about "working with prospects" twice in the above quotes.

Weekes is a good goalie and the Rangers best choice right now until the one of the two prospects is ready for prime time. Malik for 3 years puzzles me... but the money is a non-issue. They don't need money or cap room to land any big fish. Remember they are only paying Jagr 4 million. And he might not even return to the NHL. The Rangers might not even be at the max this year. How times change.