The New York Rangers continue to work on their 2019-20 roster, with the reported signing of Russian defenseman Yegor Rykov. The deal has yet to be officially announced.
An already crowded New York Rangers blueline looks to be even more congested with the reported signing of Yegor Rykov to a two year entry level contract. Rykov was acquired from the New Jersey Devils last season in the trade for Michael Grabner.
The deal was reported in a tweet from hockey reporter Renaud Lavoie.
Yegor Rykov signed a two year deal (entry level contract) with the @NYRangers with a European Clause if he wants to go back in the KHL. He played for Sochi last season. Drafted in 5th round in 2016 by the #NYR
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 18, 2019
Lavoir is a reporter for TVA in Montreal and while there is no reason to not believe him, considering the lack of reliability of reports out of Russia, this won’t be confirmed until the Rangers announce it.
If Rykov is indeed under contract, it is a two year deal with a European out clause meaning that he can go back to the KHL if doesn’t want to continue to play in North America. As we haven’t seen much of Rykov, there are a lot of questions about where he will play.
Rykov is 22 years old, 6’2″ and 205 lbs. He played last season for coach Sergei Zubov in Sochi. More of a stay-a-home defenseman, he had three goals and six assists in 47 games. He plays left defense and is a left handed shot.
Look for him to make his first appearance at the Rangers prospect camp right after the Entry Draft. He will be the third Russian to sign on with the Rangers after Vitali Kravtsov and Igor Shersterkin.
Davidson is official
One announcement the Rangers did make was that John Davidson was officially on board.
"I am excited and humbled to be named the President of the New York Rangers."
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 17, 2019
- #NYR President John Davidson
See more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/osGXBZlINF
There is still no word on when he will be introduced as the new club president. Early reports were that there would be a Wednesday press conference.