Rangers extend Urho Vaakanainen with two-year contract

The New York Rangers have extended defenseman Urho Vaakanainen with a two-year contract worth $3.1 million, averaging $1.55 million annually. Vaakanainen, acquired from Anaheim in December as part of the Jacob Trouba trade, has contributed two goals and seven assists in 30 games with the Rangers. His performance has been characterized as steady, making him a reliable presence on the third defensive pair. This extension comes as Vaakanainen was set to become a restricted free agent at the season's end. The Rangers are currently tied for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The contract extension is viewed as a low-risk move for the team, solidifying their defense.