Rangers Sign Eeli Tolvanen as Training Camp Approaches

With training camp looming just weeks away, the Rangers have made an intriguing addition to their lineup.

The team is reportedly on the verge of signing Finnish winger Eeli Tolvanen, according to various sources. It’s said that the contract will be for one year with a value of $1.5 million.

Drafted as a first-round pick (30th overall) in 2017, Tolvanen is recognized for his scoring ability and is expected to compete for a role in the Rangers’ middle six. During his time with the Kraken, he managed to score 35 or more points in each of the last three seasons, hitting a career-high of 23 goals in the 2024-25 season.

Although he can play on either wing, Tolvanen has predominantly played on the right side throughout his eight years in the NHL.

His experience includes contributions on the power play, dating back to his tenure with the Predators, which could be beneficial for the Rangers’ second unit that has struggled in recent years.

In the last season, he was credited with the fourth-most power-play points (14) on the Kraken while mainly playing with their second unit.

After being claimed off waivers from the Predators in December 2022, Tolvanen was integrated into Seattle’s penalty-killing rotation. His responsibilities in this area grew steadily, culminating in him logging the seventh-most shorthanded minutes (80:53) on the Kraken last season.

While Tolvanen may not have fully lived up to his initial reputation as a pure sniper, he has notably developed a more physical playstyle. In fact, since joining the Kraken, he has led the team in hits (703) by a wide margin and recorded 256 blocked shots over his last three seasons, ranking fourth on the team.

As he arrives in New York, Tolvanen brings with him over 400 regular-season games and an additional 21 playoff appearances under his belt.