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Rangers sign Holik away from Devils Posted: Monday July 01, 2002 10:47 PMUpdated: Monday July 01, 2002 11:22 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Rangers signed Bobby Holik from the rival New Jersey Devils on Monday, the first day of the NHL's free-agent season. New York has missed the playoffs the past five seasons and targeted Holik from the start. "He was an absolute priority," general manager Glen Sather said. "We went at it with a lot of hard work today and got the deal done. We're happy and proud he signed with us."Teams were able to start negotiating with unrestricted free agents starting at midnight, and the Rangers wasted little time in grabbing Holik -- a tough two-way center who won two Stanley Cups with the Devils. "I always knew it was a possibility this could happen, so I always knew what I wanted," Holik said. "The only [offers] I gave any serious thought to were from the Rangers. My mind was somewhat made up about what I want to get out of being an unrestricted free agent." "I gave the Devils more than one chance, over the past 13 months, to sign me to a long-term contract. This deal was presented to me by my agent, and I didn't need to search anymore. I didn't make this decision just today. A lot of things have gone on."Last season, Holik had 25 goals and 29 assists with the Devils. New Jersey also made a pitch to Holik on Monday, but it wasn't enough to keep him. "We did in my mind put in a very substantial offer this morning and we felt comfortable with the offer," Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello told The Associated Press. "There are certain things we can't control. It was a decision he had to make. It's his future, I respect that. I wish him the best." It was expected that major free agents such as Bill Guerin, Tony Amonte, Curtis Joseph and Mike Richter might be signed quickly on Monday, but only Adam Oates worked out a new deal, leaving Philadelphia for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, before Holik's signing. |
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