Free agent center David Desharnais has agreed to a one-year, $1-million contract with the Rangers, who have been searching for a third- or fourth-line pivot to play behind Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes.
Desharnais, 30, who played for the Canadiens and Oilers last season, appears to be one answer to the question of depth, presumably as a replacement for Oscar Lindberg, who was selected by Las Vegas in the expansion draft. The Rangers confirmed the transaction Tuesday.
The lefty, who is 5-foot-7 (about the same size as winger Mats Zuccarello) and five years older than Lindberg, had just four goals and six assists in 31 games in Montreal last season.