The New York Rangers have signed Urho Vaakanainen to a two-year contract extension worth $1.55 million per season.
The Rangers acquired Vaakanainen from the Anaheim Ducks as part of the Jacob Trouba trade in December.
While Trouba was the headliner in this deal, Vaakanainen has become a sneaky good pickup for the Rangers.
The 26-year-old has played some of the best hockey of his career since arriving in New York.
Through 30 games with the Rangers, he has recorded two goals, seven assists and 9 points while averaging 15:59 minutes.
Vaakanainen’s role also continues to increase. He’s gone from being on the Rangers’ bottom pair to suddenly playing a top-four defensive role.
Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury clearly sees Vaakanainen as a staple on the blue line going forward.