Per NHL Gossip, a Finnish Website is reporting that the New York Rangers are in negotiations with Sami Lepisto on a contract for next season. Lepisto, 26, spent last season with the Phoenix Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets. Last month Columbus decided not to tender Lepisto a qualifying offer and he became an unrestricted free agent.
Obviously this is just a rumor and should be taken as such, but let us look at whether it makes sense for the Rangers. Lepisto has shown offensive abilities in the AHL, but not to this point in his career at the NHL level so he would not fit the need of a puck moving defender. While he does have 150 games in the NHL this would certainly not seem to classify in the realm of the veteran defender that many are hoping the Rangers sign this summer. This could be a low risk type gamble for the Rangers as it should come with a low price tag, but there is not a whole lot to get excited about with the move if it happens.
