I never would’ve expected it. However, Cody McLeod will return to the Rangers in ’18-19. The veteran fourth liner re-signed for a year at $750,000.

The 34-year old spent most of his career with Colorado before playing parts of the last two seasons with Nashville. After the Predators waived him, the Rangers put in a claim. He got into 25 games tallying two assists with 39 penalty minutes and a minus-11 rating.

Why did they bring him back? Eh. Probably because the Rangers didn’t want to commit to a better character player such as Antoine Roussel, who got four years from the Canucks. Even Ryan Reaves did better. But he can still skate and contribute. Something he proved in the 2018 Playoffs with his two goals for Vegas.

Does it really matter? Not at all. McLeod isn’t taking a roster spot from a good prospect that belongs. Under new coach David Quinn, fans want to see the kids play. I don’t mean a minimal role on the fourth line. McLeod will be a part-timer for rivalry games like the Islanders, Devils and Flyers. He’s not going to play a lot under Quinn.

Naturally, there’s been the all too predictable overreaction on NYR Twitter. It’s pointless. So, McLeod comes back to play a small role, adding team toughness. The funny part is these same people complain if Ryan Callahan returns as part of a salary dump by Tampa, assuming Erik Karlsson ever gets moved. Callahan is a much better hockey player than McLeod. Even now, he still can forecheck and play regularly in a supporting role.

I don’t get our fans. They constantly find something to whine about. McLeod’s signing means nothing. My reaction is indifferent. It doesn’t bother me either way. I understand what they’re trying to do.

Arbitration dates were set for Kevin Hayes, Brady Skjei, Ryan Spooner and Jimmy Vesey.

I’m sure almost all will come to some sort of agreement prior to the potential hearings.

The Rangers announced the addition of Greg Brown to Quinn’s staff. He was an associate head coach who worked on the penalty kill at Boston College. That’s the type of player he was in the NHL. So, one more coach maybe and that’s it.