Rangers ink Redden to six-year deal, re-sign D Rozsival

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Updated: July 1, 2008, 8:14 PM ET

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Last July 1, the New York Rangers improved their top six forwards when they signed free-agent centers Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. This year, the Rangers addressed their backend, coming to terms with defenseman Wade Redden and re-signing fellow defenseman Michal Rozsival.

Redden gets a six-year deal that will average $6.5 million per season, just a bit less than the eight-year, $57.1 million deal the Blackhawks will give defenseman Brian Campbell.

Rozsival, who quaterbacked the Rangers' powerplay last season, agreed to a a four-year, $20 million deal.

Michael Rozsival

Rozsival

Wade Redden

Redden

Redden, a two-time All-Star, headlined the Ottawa Senators' defensive corps last season. He appeared in 80 games, scored six goals and had 32 assists, finishing the year plus-11 for a Senators team that allowed the most goals for any of the teams that made the playoffs.

Rozsival had repeatedly stated his desire to remain in New York, both during the season and once the Rangers were eliminated from the playoffs by Pittsburgh.

Redden appeared on TSN's Free Agent Frenzy on Tuesday and said he was excited to join a team that has made the playoffs for three straight seasons.

"It's just a great opportunity," Redden said. "They showed they wanted me and it's a great place and a great team."

The duo will be expected to anchor a New York blue line that features young, rising defensemen Marc Staal, Daniel Girardi and Fedor Tyutin.

Rozsival led all Rangers defenders last year with 13 goals and 25 assists and has posted 108 points and was plus-45 in his three seasons as the Blueshirts top backender.

The Rangers also came to terms with free-agent wingers Aaron Voros and Patrick Rissmiller and signed Andreas Jamtn of the Swedish Elite League. Terms of the deals were undisclosed.