Semenov signs

The Rangers have agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Alexei Semenov, 28, who came to training camp on a tryout basis. No definitive numbers on the salary yet but expect it to be a one-year deal for slightly over the NHL minimum of $500,000.

As has been written in this space before, it should be a decent signing for the Rangers. Semenov is not a guy that will be counted on to play in every game - Matt Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto along with returnees Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival are clearly the top six. But Semenov will be able to step in when needed and play 15 minutes. He's a big body who, while not fast (hey, neither are Redden or Rozsival) can clog up the middle. Plus, he does have a heavy shot when he takes it.

Semenov played in 69 games over the past two seasons with the Sharks, with two goals, 10 assists and 93 penalty minutes. Overall, he has seven goals and 26 assists in 211 career games, dating to 2002-03 with the Oilers. Remember, Rangers GM Glen Sather, then the Edmonton boss, picked Semenov with the 36th pick of the 1999 draft.

I'll pass along contract details when I can...
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Comments

[CP (Chris)]

Great news. Semenov should ease the pressure on the shoulders of Gilroy, and more importantly, DZ.

[graves9]

what's great about it? The guy has had an awful career and he is pretty bad depth.

[CP (Chris)]

He won't be playing every night, and it's a big body to step-in against these big teams in the East like the Flyers.

[graves9]

He's slow he isn't all that tough and he's turnover prone. He reminds me of Peter Popovic except not as good.

[CP (Chris)]

I was just thinking about Peter Popovic today, wondering if he was related to Marc Popovic.

[graves9]

Me too. lol