Scott Morrow is staying with the Rangers, giving Mike Sullivan another blue-line option after a busy Wednesday around the NHL.
New York re-signed Morrow to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level, keeping the 23-year-old defenseman in the organization.
Morrow played 29 games for the Rangers last season, recording 6 assists while averaging 15:40 of ice time. His next challenge will be finding room on a much deeper defense corps.
Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson have joined a Rangers blue line that already includes Adam Fox and Braden Schneider, leaving Morrow facing serious competition when training camp opens.
That battle carries extra weight after New York finished 34-39-9 last season. Sullivan needs better results, and depth players won't have much room for quiet camps.
The Rangers weren't alone Wednesday. Philadelphia also added two contracts as teams continue filling out rosters before players return for camp.
Flyers add two more pieces
The Flyers signed defenseman Hunter McDonald to a two-year contract carrying a $912,000 average annual value, keeping another young blueliner in Rick Tocchet's system.
McDonald brings a 6-foot-4 frame and will have an opportunity to push for NHL work, though Lehigh Valley remains a possible destination if Philadelphia wants more development time.
Philadelphia's second addition was Nolan Foote, who signed a one-year, two-way deal worth $850,000 at the NHL level.
Foote produced 14 goals and 32 points across 54 AHL games with Charlotte last season, then appeared in 12 games with Florida and scored once.
The 25-year-old winger now gets another chance to push upward after moving through New Jersey and Florida before landing with the Flyers. His size gives Philadelphia another option deeper in the forward group.
Philadelphia finished 43-27-12 last season, so competition for spots should be fierce rather than ceremonial when Tocchet sets his lineup.
None of Wednesday's three deals carries superstar weight, but all three could matter once injuries, scratches and roster decisions start testing organizational depth.
For Morrow, McDonald and Foote, the contracts are signed. The harder part starts at camp.
Will Scott Morrow earn a regular spot with the Rangers this season?
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