--- title: "Rangers add Del Gaizo, Gawdin to fortify roster after playoff misses" description: "New York bolsters blue-line and forward depth with two-year commitments to proven AHL producers" url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rangers-sign-marc-del-gaizo-glenn-gawdin-to-two-year-deals-a9656cc7 published: 2026-07-03T08:33:16.258+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T08:33:16.258+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Rangers add Del Gaizo, Gawdin to fortify roster after playoff misses > New York bolsters blue-line and forward depth with two-year commitments to proven AHL producers The New York Rangers have addressed organizational depth by inking defenseman Marc Del Gaizo and forward Glenn Gawdin to two-year contracts. Del Gaizo, 26, arrives with 55 NHL appearances and 27 points in 63 AHL games for Laval last season. Gawdin, 29, brings three straight AHL seasons of 50-plus points but limited NHL impact to date. The Rangers targeted bounce-back potential in both players. Del Gaizo was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2016 and has split time between the NHL and AHL since, including stints with the Montreal Canadiens’ affiliate. Gawdin, a 2014 draft pick of the Vegas Golden Knights, has been a consistent AHL scorer but has yet to establish himself in the NHL. Rangers general manager Chris Drury emphasized organizational depth after consecutive playoff misses following the Presidents’ Trophy run in 2022. The moves follow earlier additions like Pavel Dorofeyev and Oliver Bjorkstrand, signaling a clear pivot toward proven AHL production as a pathway to NHL contributions. Both players fit the Rangers’ recent pattern of signing AHL standouts with NHL upside. Del Gaizo’s mobility and right-shot profile address a specific blue-line need, while Gawdin’s offensive track record in the minors provides depth on the wings. The signings reflect a broader trend in the NHL, where teams increasingly prioritize AHL production over unproven college or European talent. Del Gaizo and Gawdin represent low-risk investments—players with NHL experience who can step into depth roles without commanding top-six or top-four minutes. Their contracts also align with the Rangers’ cap strategy, avoiding long-term deals that could limit future flexibility. For Gawdin, the Rangers’ system offers a fresh start after years of bouncing between organizations. His three consecutive 50-point AHL seasons suggest he’s capable of delivering at the NHL level, even if his track record in the league is sparse. Del Gaizo, meanwhile, provides a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who can fill in on the power play or as a seventh defenseman—a role that’s become increasingly critical in today’s NHL. "We’re always looking for players who can contribute at multiple levels," Drury said in a statement. "Both Marc and Glenn bring that NHL experience and AHL pedigree. We’re confident they can help us when called upon." The Rangers now face a crowded training camp, with Del Gaizo and Gawdin competing for spots against established NHL players. Their success will hinge on whether they can translate their AHL production to the league’s faster pace—a challenge that has derailed many similar signings in the past. ## Why this matters The Rangers’ back-to-back playoff misses exposed a thin middle-six and bottom-pairing depth. By targeting AHL standouts with NHL experience, New York is hedging against roster attrition while keeping costs controlled. Del Gaizo and Gawdin represent low-risk, high-repetition bets—proven producers in the minors who could step into NHL roles if injuries or underperformance strike. The strategy reflects a pragmatic rebuild after the Presidents’ Trophy hangover, prioritizing organizational depth over splashy free-agent signings. These moves also signal a shift in how the Rangers evaluate talent, favoring AHL track records over unproven prospects or expensive veterans. ## Frequently asked ### Who are the Rangers signing in free agency? The Rangers have signed defenseman Marc Del Gaizo and forward Glenn Gawdin to two-year contracts. Both players arrive with NHL experience and recent AHL production. ### What are Marc Del Gaizo’s credentials? Del Gaizo, 26, has played 55 NHL games and recorded 27 points in 63 AHL games for Laval last season. He was drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2016. ### How productive is Glenn Gawdin in the AHL? Gawdin, 29, has recorded 50-plus points in each of the past three AHL seasons, though his NHL impact has been limited to date. ### Why did the Rangers target these players? General manager Chris Drury emphasized organizational depth after consecutive playoff misses. Both players offer NHL-ready upside with AHL pedigree and controlled contract terms. ### Where did Del Gaizo and Gawdin play before joining the Rangers? Del Gaizo has split time between NHL and AHL affiliates of the Predators and Canadiens. Gawdin was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights and has played in the AHL for multiple organizations. ### What’s next for the Rangers after these signings? The Rangers continue to address roster gaps, likely targeting additional NHL-caliber depth before training camp. The focus remains on cost-controlled, high-repetition signings to stabilize the lineup. ## Sources & Citations - [Rangers sign Marc Del Gaizo, Glenn Gawdin to two-year deals](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/new-york-rangers-sign-marc-del-gaizo-two-year-contract-nhl-free-agency) — Daily Faceoff (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Rangers add Del Gaizo, Gawdin to fortify roster after playoff misses. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rangers-sign-marc-del-gaizo-glenn-gawdin-to-two-year-deals-a9656cc7