Rangers sign Jason Arnott

The New York Rangers looking to bolster their depth, have agreed to a one year, $1.6 million contract with centerman Jason Arnott, according to reports. The 38 year old had a productive 2011-2012 campaign with St. Louis Blues, recording 17 goals and 17 assists on the season.

Around the NHL: Hat tricks from Gaborik, Sullivan highlight Wednesday’s NHL action

GABORIK GETS RANGERS BACK ON TRACK Marian Gaborik scored a hat trick and the overtime winner, a breakaway goal, leading the New York Rangers (1-2-0) to a 4-3 OT win over the Boston Bruins (2-1-0) on Wednesday night. Gaborik was sensational in the win, getting the Rangers back on track. Gaborik last season had 41 goals and 76 points and he’s a player Rangers coach John Tortorella is very tough on but feels he’s getting Gaborik to be the player he can be. “I think he has grown so much mentally in how he conducts himself,” Tortorella said on Wednesday, via ESPNNewyork. “He’s a very talented player that’s willing to be there; and when I first met him, I didn’t

Eastern Conference Preview: Penguins Over-hyped?

EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW With a 48 game schedule, less than a week of training camp and no preseason games, the 2013 season is unpredictable as it gets. We project 11 teams to have legitimate shots at making the playoffs but only 8 can make it. 1. New York Rangers Key Additions: Rick Nash, Taylor Pyatt, Arron Asham, Jeff Halpren Outlook: It’s Stanley Cup or bust for the New York Rangers. The addition of Rick Nash gives them that key game breaker and two premier scoring lines with the Rangers now being able to put Marian Gaborik on the second line with Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan. This is the most balanced team in hockey top to bottom and all eyes

Trade Analysis: Rangers big winners today by adding Rick Nash without giving up any significant assets

TRADE ANALYSIS: RANGERS BIG WINNERS AS THEY SURRENDER NO SIGNIFICANT ASSETS The long awaited Rick Nash trade to the New York Rangers is a done deal and Nash is officially a Ranger, months after a similar deal that Blue Jackets got today was also on the table during the trade deadline. The trade announced this afternoon is a multi-player deal that has the Rangers receiving Nash from the Blue Jackets, in exchange for forwards Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, defenseman Tim Erixon and a 2013 first round pick. Dubinsky, 26, had a down year with 10 goals and 24 assists in 77 games last season. Dubinsky is an effective two-way player who can be a factor in several areas, and if he

Post-Game Buzz: Tortorella goes off on Pens organization following Orpik’s knee to knee hit on Stepan

TORTORELLA GOES OFF ON PENS Defenseman Brooks Orpik delivered a cheap knee to knee hit on Derek Stepan late in the third period of Thursday’s game, receiving a five minute major. The hit set the stage for a tirade from Rangers head coach John Tortorella following the Rangers 5-2 loss to the Penguins at the Consol Energy Center. Tortorella went off on the hit and the Penguins organization, calling the team one of the most arrogant organizations in hockey. “It’s a cheap, dirty hit, ” Tortorella said. “I wonder what would happen if we did that to their two whining stars over there, ” Tortorella said, making a reference towards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. “Just no respect among players….none,

Pens – Rangers: Morning skate buzz on Niskanen, Sullivan & Lundqvist

Rangers (51-22-7, 109 pts) @ Penguins (49-25-6, 104 pts) MORNING SKATE BUZZ PITTSBURGH — Defenseman Matt Niskanen is not participating in the morning skate and indications are Niskanen is expected to be held out of the final two regular season games. In regards to his availability for the playoffs, the Penguins have yet to reveal the extent of Niskanen’s injury. Niskanen is believed to have reaggravated a shoulder injury in Tuesday night’s game, an injury that previously kept him out of a handful of games. Brian Strait will take his spot in the lineup. Meanwhile, Steve Sullivan’s status is believed to be up in the air tonight.

Pens Trade Deadline Central: Pens stand pat, don’t make any moves

TRADE DEADLINE CENTRAL Latest Updates – 3:15 p.m. – Pens quiet at the deadline, Shero to speak at 4:15 p.m. 3:10 p.m. – ZANON GOES TO BOSTON: The Boston Bruins were busy in the final minutes of the deadline, acquiring defenseman Greg Zanon from the Minnesota Wild and forward Brian Rolston and defenseman Mike Mottau from the New York Islanders. 3:05 p.m. – SHERO TO SPEAK AT 4:15 P.M.: Pens GM Ray Shero will meet with the media at 4:15 to discuss today’s lack of activity from the team. The Penguins did not make a move. 3:00 p.m. PREDATORS ACQUIRE GAUSTAD: The Nashville Predators acquired Sabres centerman Paul Gaustad right at the 3:00 p.m. deadline. The Penguins were never in

Saturday Morning Trade Rumblings: Av’s Jones has big game in front of Pens scouts, 6 other teams

Saturday’s Rumor Mill on Av’s Jones, Allen/Spacek, Sabres, Red Wings, Leafs, Kings, Rangers & more | — A growing trend in the NHL is GM’s resigning their own players (pending UFA’s). That continued Friday night when the Edmonton Oilers signed Ales Hemsky to a two year, $10 million extension. A big cap hit for a player with just 5 goals on the season and only 64 points since the 2009-2010 season. A big factor in team’s arguably overpaying to resign their own like Edmonton and Carolina just did with the Hemsky and Ruutu signings this week, is GM’s come to the assumption that they won’t be able to replace those particular players in free agency. — The New Jersey Devils paid

Latest Trade Deadline Buzz on Ruutu, Garrison/Rangers, Nash & more

Latest NHL Rumblings Will Ruutu be back on the block?: In the next 24-48 hours, GM’s around the league will know whether the Carolina Hurricanes intend to deal forward Tuomo Ruutu. Sources say the Hurricanes have a four year offer on the table, believed to be in the $15-$18 million range. Ruutu has been seeking a five year deal but there has been optimism that the two sides will reach an agreement today. However, if talks surprisingly break off, Ruutu will be back in play by Thursday at the latest. Ruutu an impending unrestricted free agent is not due back until the second week of March, which could limit his suitors to teams like the New York Rangers, Detroit Red