Instant signing analysis: Rangers add Tim Kennedy

The Sabres walked away from Kennedy's $1-million arbitration award on Aug. 2, and now the 24-year-old is a Ranger, joining a forward group that could use some more youth and some more moxie.

The 5-10 Kennedy had 10 goals and 16 assists in 78 games as a rookie for the Sabres last season, and the Buffalo native was hurt by the Sabres' decision to walk away.

He's not a lock to make the Rangers roster, but his style of play and ability to score a goal here and there could be another subtle push to Sean Avery that it's time to toe John Tortorella's line. Avery, for whom the Rangers have a $1.9375-million cap hit, needs a good camp to get off on the right foot.

And yes, the Rangers will still have room to sign restricted free agent Marc Staal and be under the summer cap of $65.4-million. Barely, but there's room.

UPDATE: They have lots of room -- Tim Kennedy signed for $550,000. Good deal for Glen Sather. Also, the Rangers see Kennedy as more of a center than a wing -- so Brian Boyle might be in more trouble than Avery.