The New York Rangers have extended forward, signing the trade deadline addition to a two-year deal worth \$1.25 million annually. While it’s a modest contract, the move raises eyebrows for a few reasons—most notably, why lock in a player who logged just 11 games in blue, and why the salary nearly doubles the league minimum?
The structure of the deal suggests the Rangers expect him to remain with the NHL club, not be buried in Hartford. His cap hit exceeds the \$1.15 million threshold for full AHL salary relief, meaning if he’s sent down, \$100,000 would still count against New York’s cap. That might seem small, but in today’s cap-crunched NHL—where teams like Edmonton, Vegas, and Minnesota ended the year with less than \$100,000 in space—it matters.
On the ice, Parssinen showed flashes but didn’t exactly dominate. He averaged under 10 minutes per game and posted five points in his short stint. Despite this, he now finds himself in competition with more affordable and arguably more productive bottom-six options like Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski, Matt Rempe, and Adam Edstrom—players who all made less and put up similar or better numbers. Meanwhile, promising young talents like Brett Berard, Brennan Othmann, and top prospect Gabe Perreault are still waiting for bigger roles.
This signing may signal confidence from GM Chris Drury and new head coach Mike Sullivan that Parssinen has untapped potential. But it’s also reminiscent of past questionable extensions, like that of Will Borgen—deals that ultimately didn’t pan out as hoped. As the Rangers gear up for a busy offseason, this early decision feels premature and slightly puzzling unless it’s part of a broader strategy yet to be revealed.