Rangers, former Islander Pyatt agree to deal
Phoenix Coyotes left wing Taylor Pyatt moves the puck during the first period of their NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings. (March 3, 2011) Credit: AP
Taylor Pyatt, a free-agent left wing who played his rookie season with the Islanders in 2000-01, Tuesdayagreed to a contract with the Rangers. The team did not disclose the terms but it has been reported that the deal is worth $3.1 million over two years.
Pyatt, 30, earned $1.2 million last season.
With Pyatt, the Rangers added lower-line depth as they continue the hunt for a top scorer.
Pyatt had nine goals and 19 points (and was a minus-4) in 73 games with Phoenix last season, and had 18 goals and 31 points in 2010-11,
The Rangers have offers on the table for Columbus captain Rick Nash, who scored 30 or more goals in each of the last five seasons, but general manager Glen Sather and his Blue Jackets counterpart, Scott Howson, have been unable to reach an accord.
Howson is reportedly waiting until Devils free agent Zach Parise decides on his destination, hoping that all suitors for Nash will upgrade their bids.
Should the Rangers acquire Nash, the package is expected to include two roster forwards and a combination of prospects or picks, which means the Blueshirts will likely sign or trade for one more NHL forward.
The 6-4 Pyatt, who is the brother of former Rangers prospect Tom Pyatt, has 130 goals and 264 points in 755 NHL games with the Canucks, Islanders, Sabres and Coyotes. Pyatt, who had a goal and an assist during the playoffs for Phoenix, had a career high in goals with 23 in 2006.
The Dolan family owns controlling interests in the Rangers, Madison Square Garden and Cablevision. Cablevision owns Newsday.
