Baseball Guru
07-03-2002, 07:35 PM
By HAL BOCK
AP Sports Writer
July 1, 2002, 11:08 PM EDT
Bobby Holik will try to bring his winning ways to the New York Rangers, who sorely need the help.
Holik, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils, became the NHL's first major unrestricted free agent to sign this year. He left the Devils on Monday, the first day teams could sign free agents other than their own, for New Jersey's biggest rival.
"I gave the Devils more than one chance, over the past 13 months, to sign me to a long-term contract," the 31-year-old center said. "This deal was presented to me by my agent, and I didn't need to search anymore. I didn't make this decision just today. A lot of things have gone on."
The Rangers, who have missed the playoffs five straight years, were expected to be busy on the free-agent market.
"He was an absolute priority," general manager Glen Sather said. "We went at it with a lot of hard work today and got the deal done. We're happy and proud he signed with us."
AP Sports Writer
July 1, 2002, 11:08 PM EDT
Bobby Holik will try to bring his winning ways to the New York Rangers, who sorely need the help.
Holik, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils, became the NHL's first major unrestricted free agent to sign this year. He left the Devils on Monday, the first day teams could sign free agents other than their own, for New Jersey's biggest rival.
"I gave the Devils more than one chance, over the past 13 months, to sign me to a long-term contract," the 31-year-old center said. "This deal was presented to me by my agent, and I didn't need to search anymore. I didn't make this decision just today. A lot of things have gone on."
The Rangers, who have missed the playoffs five straight years, were expected to be busy on the free-agent market.
"He was an absolute priority," general manager Glen Sather said. "We went at it with a lot of hard work today and got the deal done. We're happy and proud he signed with us."