The expectations for a depth defenseman are relatively low. If they’re the sixth defenseman, it’s to be a positive, or at least neutral, contributor to the blue line in their minimized role. As the seventh, the expectations are for the defender to learn the team’s system and be ready when called upon.
When the New York Rangers signed Fredrik Claesson it was to add defensive depth to a blue line that’s had its fair share of struggles over the last few seasons. At just one year and $700,000 in cap space, adding a 25 year old left-handed defender that could play both sides was a low-risk investment for versatility and depth.