Mike Del Zotto is back in Blueshirt colors for two more years.

With training camps finally opening today, the Rangers took care of one potential headache. They re-signed defenseman Michael Del Zotto for two years at an average of $2.55 million. TSN’s Bob McKenzie was the first to report it this morning on Twitter before 9 AM. Around the same time, I received three texts from the Blueshirts on the return of hockey. It did bring a grin to my face. I’m still excited about hockey returning.

With Del Zotto signed for a fair deal, now the Rangers can get down to business. Hard to believe he’s still 22. He bounced back last year with career bests in goals (10), assists (31), points (41) and plus/minus (20). Even if the former ’08 No.1 pick’s postseason left something to be desired, he was a big reason for our rise that included the East’s best record and the club’s first trip to the Eastern Conference Final since ’97. He scored a big goal against the Caps in the deciding game to put them away and also had an assist.

No question it was a great year for Del Zotto’s development. Following a nightmarish sophomore season that saw him demoted to Connecticut, he responded with improved play gaining John Tortorella’s trust. Without question, he’s our best offensive defenseman who’s thinks pass first. He still notched 10 goals including a power play goal and shorthanded goal. If there’s one area he must work on, it’s on the man-advantage where 14 power play points (1-13-14) were not enough. He is our power play quarterback and that comes with huge responsibility. Hopefully, he’ll have more confidence due to the addition of Rick Nash, added to Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik and leading power play finisher Ryan Callahan.

Del Zotto should see time with Anton Stralman, who was a pleasant surprise once he signed with us last year. He’s also back which means Tortorella should have enough confidence to use both on our top power play unit unless he has Richards play the point with MDZ. Then, Stralman could be used on a second unit which might include Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider and Taylor Pyatt. Maybe Tort teams birthday boy Marc Staal with Stralman. Staalsie turned 25 today and enforcer Mike Rupp celebrated his 33rd birthday.

Figure Tort to split up Richards and Stepan so they have balanced power play units. One question is whether Callahan remains on the top one. He is great at finishing around the net and does the grunt work. You could still stack up Cally, Gabby and Nash up front with Del Zotto and Richards on the points. Guess we’ll wait and see.

I’m glad Del Zotto finally came to his senses. A two-year deal is also a smart move by the Rangers, who aren’t locking in long-term. MDZ must continue to earn his keep. A good motivator that should bode well.