Rangers sign ex-Lightning winger to $4.5 million contract

The New York Rangers already made one big splash this offseason, trading two first-round picks for Pavel Dorofeyev. Now, they take their first swing in the free-agent pool. On the opening day of NHL Free Agency, the Rangers have signed winger Oliver Bjorkstrand, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Later on, Remy Mastey of The Hockey News reported, “The Rangers have reportedly signed Oliver Bjorkstrand to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.”

Bjorkstrand was traded from the Seattle Kraken to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. With Tampa, he managed only 41 points in 98 regular-season games. In four playoff games this year, he was held without a point. He struggled to break into Tampa’s top six, but may have that chance in New York.

The Rangers needed to rebuild their offense after a dreadful two seasons. They traded Artemi Panarin at the deadline, so bringing in Dorofeyev and Bjorkstrand helps replace his output. But there were many more problems with the Rangers last year, including poor play from veterans who are still around. Is this move enough to put the Rangers back in the playoffs?

The Rangers also made a trade on July 1, picking up Joonas Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins. The veteran will back up Igor Shetserkin after Jonathan Quick’s retirement. Shesterkin has been injured in the past, so Korpisalo could become an important part of the season on Broadway.

Bjorkstrand had the worst offensive season of his career at the worst time, hitting the market with no momentum. That lands him with the Rangers on a short-term deal, but he has the opportunity to prove himself. He could be a big trade-deadline piece if New York falters again, but he could also ink a big extension if he powers the Rangers’ offense.

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