Larry Brooks is reporting via Twitter that the New York Rangers have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Michael Sauer to a 2-year deal worth $1.25 million per year. Sauer, age 23, had three goals and 12 assists in 76 games played in his rookie season with the Rangers last year, and also finished with a team-high plus-20 overall rating.
Sauer came along much quicker than the Rangers expected last season, and as the year went on I truly believe that he became one of the squad's better defenseman. His aggressive approach is what drives him and he quickly learned when to use the body, when to stay in position and he was always willing to defend his goaltender. Along with Ryan McDonagh, this kid is going to be a solid blue-liner for the Rangers for many years to come.
To be honest I thought he was going to be paid more than $1.25 million. I thought he was going to get more in the 1.5-2.o range because, let's face it, he's worth that type of money. For such a young kid to play such a mature game in his rookie season is a rare thing as a defenseman, but Sauer did it and he did it extremely well.
Great deal for both sides, especially for GM Glen Sather.
GMGS looking to keep order in LR. However I see McDonagh with 1.3. Close.
Posted by: Swedefour | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 09:51 AM
GMGS - taking a page out of the Caps fans' book I see! hahaha
Posted by: Nick Montemagno | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I am attacked constantly here - have to ward off the enemy team some how. In 1994 SC had a huge banner on Front door. LOL.
One local argument here is - when I went to the NYR Caps game at Verizon cenrer in Jan or FEB the crowd is controlled by loud noises music and a goofy horn guy. When I went to MSG in March the noises were "natuaral" you could actually here yourself and the EXCELLENT fans.
Posted by: Swedefour | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Yep, I've heard the same thing from multiple people. In Washington, the ARENA is loud. In New York, the FANS are loud.
Posted by: Nick Montemagno | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Great signing, nice cap hit. Good job Glen but in 2 years if Sauer continues to grow and improve you won't get away so cheap. In fact that number may double then.
Posted by: JohnP | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Check our latest post - another great signing by Slats on Anisimov!
Posted by: Nick Montemagno | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 12:32 PM