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NHL Rumors: Brandon Pirri signs one-year deal with New York Rangers

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 29, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; iFlorida Panthers center Brandon Pirri (73) skates in the third period of a game against the Montreal Canadiens at BB&T Center. The Panthers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; iFlorida Panthers center Brandon Pirri (73) skates in the third period of a game against the Montreal Canadiens at BB&T Center. The Panthers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Rangers have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent forward Brandon Pirri. 

Credit the New York Rangers for having a very solid offseason. While they have not been able to upgrade their defense, upgrading it is a very tall task and one that is much harder than it sounds. Large contracts given to Dan Girardi and Marc Staal make upgrading the defense even more difficult and complicated.

The Rangers have, however, upgraded their forwards. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers have further done so by signing free agent forward Brandon Pirri to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million.

Pirri could wind up being a significant bargain for the Rangers. Combined with the signing of Jimmy Vesey and the trade for Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers’ offense that scored 236 goals last season is even better. While the loss of Keith Yandle will hurt, the Rangers now have three solid forward lines capable of scoring. Not many teams can say that.

For $1.1 million, Pirri is an inexpensive roll of the dice for the Rangers. He has shown that he is a capable goal scorer with 14 goals in 61 games in 2015-16 and 22 goals in 49 games in 2014-15. Pirri has yet to prove that he can stay healthy, preventing him from getting a big deal. But for $1.1 million, the Rangers could do a lot worse than signing Pirri.

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If Pirri doesn’t work out, oh well. The Rangers only spent $1.1 million on him and the Rangers have capable forwards who can step up to replace him. If all goes well, Pirri will provide them with a coveted asset (scoring depth) for a bargain price.

The Pirri signing is an undeniable risk for the Rangers. But it is one that involves minimal risk and a potentially huge reward. For a team that lives on the edge of the salary cap ceiling, Pirri has a lot of value.

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