Report: Rangers Sign Jeff Halpern

In a surprising move late Tuesday night the Rangers made their fourth free agent signing of the summer, reportedly inking 36-year-old Jeff Halpern to a one-year deal. The big draw of Halpern (no pun intended) is that he won 58.4% of faceoffs in 2011-2012.  That was a major area of weakness for the Blueshirts a year ago. With Brad Richards, Derek Stepan and Brian Boyle already on board, the Rangers are set down the middle.  Barring a trade – and this signing doesn’t mean New York will make one, Halpern is merely a depth player – this move all but ensures that both Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov will serve as wings next season. Halpern spent last season with Washington, where he also spent the first six years of his career.  A veteran of five teams, Halpern’s career is winding down but he’s still an effective depth forward that blocks shots and can play against scoring lines. Though he only managed four goals and 12 assists in 69 games last season, Halpern tallied 11 goals and 1...