“I am honored to be a part of the Rangers organization,” Hagelin said in a statement from home released on Blueshirts United. “I love the guys on the team, they truly are all my friends, and I am pumped to get going next year with them.“

“As soon as they signed Mac this came together very quickly,” he added. “My agent called last night and again this morning and it was pretty much done. We’re a really close-knit team that really plays for one another, and I think that’s a statement from Glen [Sather] that he respects this team and wants to keep it together.”

Hagelin impressed with his speed and ability to come out with loose pucks in the corners. Former coach John Tortorella trusted him enough in his first year that he used Hagelin with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik on the top line. He produced 14 goals and 24 assists totaling 38 points in 64 games. The 38 points placed him fifth in rookie scoring behind Calder winner Gabriel Landeskog, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Henrique and Matt Read. Hagelin finished with a plus-21 rating topping all rookies. He slumped at the end of the season failing to score a goal in his final 29 games including playoffs (17). He posted three assists in his first postseason but missed three games due to suspension for concussing Daniel Alfredsson.

“I have been doing a lot of biking, and usually I like to run throughout the summer, so that’s been one difference, but everything is going the right way in regards to the shoulder,” an excited Hagelin noted. “It’s been six weeks since the surgery so I can’t wait to get that sling off here in the next few days, and then work on getting my range of motion back and take it from there. I am confident my shoulder will be better and stronger next season.“

In related news, the Rangers signed defenseman Justin Falk to a one-year deal worth $950,000. He was acquired from Minnesota for Benn Ferriero and a 2014 sixth round pick. A correction on John Moore. He’s got a year left on a three-year deal that pays him $2.7 million. He’ll make $965,000 in 2013-14 and is restricted next summer. Per Cap Geek, the Rangers have a little over $3.3 million left to spend. They still must get Derek Stepan re-signed. He’s top priority while Mats Zuccarello is arbitration eligible. Will Zuccarello become a cap casualty? I’d like to keep him. He improved following his return posting eight points (3-5-8) and a plus-10 rating in 15 contests. His seven points (1-6-7) in the playoffs ranked second on the club trailing just Derrick Brassard (12). I get that his smallish stature (5-7, 179) is a concern in the East. But anyone who watched saw an aggressive player who doesn’t shy away from contact. He battles and is willing to go to the net. His speed, creativity and competitiveness would be missed. 

I’m not a fan of trading Brian Boyle either. He is still valuable because he is a strong faceoff man whose size and strength are assets on an otherwise small team. Granted. He doesn’t always harness it. But Boyle can shift to the left side and is more versatile than Taylor Pyatt. Besides, center depth is vital. Dominic Moore and Boyle both can play penalty kill and take key draws. A fourth line of Boyle, Moore and Derek Dorsett would give the Rangers something they’ve lacked. A solid energy line with size, speed and physicality. Too often, they were exposed in eliminations to the Devils and Bruins. By cutting Pyatt, Darroll Powe and Arron Asham, that should free up enough space for Stepan and Zuccarello. 

The Rangers can spend up to 10 percent over the $64.3 million max before the season. They can then get back under the cap. In the past, Sather has been able to manage it well. I’m sure he’s got something up his sleeve.