Amidst a busy trade deadline, the New York Rangers have secured defenseman Urho Vaakanainen with a two-year contract extension valued at $3.1 million in total. The deal comes with an average annual cap hit of $1.55 million and will keep him with the team through the 2026-27 season.
Urho Vaakanainen has spent his seven-year NHL career with the Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Rangers. The 26-year-old defenseman has recorded two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 35 games this season, with a Corsi for of 42.4 and a relative Corsi of -9.2.
A native of Joensuu, Finland, Vaakanainen has amassed three goals and 31 assists for 34 points in 171 career games. Originally selected 18th overall by Boston in the 2017 NHL Draft, he joined the Rangers as part of the trade that sent former captain Jacob Trouba to Anaheim.
On the international stage, Vaakanainen has represented Finland multiple times, including as a member of the gold-medal-winning team at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championships. He also competed in the most recent Four Nations Faceoff.
This signing is another depth move for the Rangers and general manager Chris Drury. The team had already extended Will Borgen before the deadline, and securing Vaakanainen helps solidify their third defensive pairing.
While not known for his goal-scoring, Vaakanainen has been a reliable presence on the blueline. The Rangers were initially seen as Stanley Cup contenders, but inconsistent play has left them battling for a playoff spot.
Though not a high-profile acquisition, the signing provides solid depth at a low cost. Additionally, the contract is manageable and could be moved if necessary.
