New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi has been involved in many trade rumors over the last few months, but he won’t be leaving Manhattan any time soon after agreeing to an extension on Friday.
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Rangers and the 29-year-old veteran came to terms on a six-year contract worth $33 million ($5.5 million per season).
Girardi’s contract also includes no-movement and no-trade clauses, per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
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Girardi is a valuable shut-down defenseman who logs more than 20 minutes per game against the opponents’ top forwards, excels on the penalty kill, blocks a ton of shots and plays physical in all three zones.
Girardi has tallied 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 60 games this season and ranks second on the Rangers with 22:40 of ice time per contest.
The Anaheim Ducks were reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring Girardi if he was unable to agree on an extension with New York and made available on the trade market. If he did not sign before the end of the season, the 29-year-old would have become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
The NHL trade deadline is March 5.
