It didn’t take long for Wade Redden to find a new team. After clearing waivers, he was bought out by the Rangers and signed with St. Louis for one year worth a reported $800,000.

The 35-year old veteran defenseman spent the last two years with the Connecticut Whale totaling 62 points (12-50-62) while assuming a leadership role with the Rangers AHL affiliate. It had to be very tough for the former All-Star who team president and GM Glen Sather signed to a long-term deal worth an average of $6.5 million. He’ll receive $5.2 million from the Blueshirts for the buyout and get a chance to make the Blues.

There’s no guarantee Redden will play in St. Louis, who possesses a strong D core led by Norris darkhorse Alex Pietrangelo and offensive minded Kevin Shattenkirk. Carlo Colaiacovo, Roman Polak, Barret Jackman, Kris Russell, Kent Huskins and Ian Cole are all still in camp. So, it’s possible Redden could go down to Peioria in a similar role he served for the Rangers organization.

As much as he didn’t fulfill expectations with our big club his first two seasons, he wasn’t as bad as some made him out to be. It was a classic case of Sather overpaying a free agent who was on the downside of his career. Hopefully, Redden will surprise with his new team. Despite how it turned out, he handled everything first class. Best of luck Wade.