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NEW YORK -- The New York Rangers agreed to terms with two key players on contract extensions on Thursday. Center Marc Savard, arguably the team’s most talented offensive player, and defenseman John-Michael Liles, New York’s best offensive defenseman, both signed new four-year deals. As per club policy, financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. The players were scheduled to become restricted free agents at the conclusion of the season, but proved too valuable for the organization to wait until the off-season to re-sign.
“We’re ecstatic about getting these guys in the fold long-term. They’re both quality players and are both major parts of our organization’s long-term plan. This was a top priority for us and we’re very happy it’s signed, sealed, and delivered. Reggie (Swingstein, agent for Savard and Liles) is a tough negotiator, but I feel like we were able to work out fair deals for these guys.â€
The Rangers have seven additional players that are pending restricted free agents, but nothing is in the works at the moment. It may not be until after the season before negotiations get underway with the other players. Only Sandy McCarthy is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, but he is not expected to be re-signed.
“We definitely have some other guys we want to lock up to extensions, but nothing is imminent. Getting Savard and Liles locked up was a major priority. We want the other guys back too, but it’s something we can deal with down the road.
“We’re ecstatic about getting these guys in the fold long-term. They’re both quality players and are both major parts of our organization’s long-term plan. This was a top priority for us and we’re very happy it’s signed, sealed, and delivered. Reggie (Swingstein, agent for Savard and Liles) is a tough negotiator, but I feel like we were able to work out fair deals for these guys.â€
The Rangers have seven additional players that are pending restricted free agents, but nothing is in the works at the moment. It may not be until after the season before negotiations get underway with the other players. Only Sandy McCarthy is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, but he is not expected to be re-signed.
“We definitely have some other guys we want to lock up to extensions, but nothing is imminent. Getting Savard and Liles locked up was a major priority. We want the other guys back too, but it’s something we can deal with down the road.
