New York Rangers sign Brandon Scanlin to one-year deal, avoiding arbitration

The New York Rangers and defenseman Brandon Scanlin have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, two-way deal valued at $775,000.

Scanlin, 24, is a 6-foot-4, 214-pound left-shot, left-side defenseman from Hamilton, Ontario. He played in the NCHC for the University of Nebraska Omaha before signing his entry-level deal with the Rangers as an undrafted free agent in 2021-22. In three seasons with Nebraska, Scanlin played a big role and produced his most impressive offensive season in his final year with the University, scoring six goals and 25 assists for 31 points in 38 games.

Since signing with the Rangers, Scanlin has spent his entire time with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack. Over the last two years, the defenseman has suited up in a total of 76 games for the Wolfpack, posting a total of four goals and 12 assists for 16 points.

In that time, he has also found chemistry playing on a defensive pairing with third-year pro Zach Giuttari. The pairing of Scanlin and Giuttari was relied upon heavily by Hartford’s head coach Kris Knoblauch during the 2022-23 season. The two played integral roles at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill. The play of the pairing contributed to Hartford’s making the AHL playoffs last season.

Scanlin will likely spend another year with Hartford, where he can be a depth defensive option if the Rangers need extra help. The team has eight defensemen signed in the NHL and a host of others in the AHL, including Matthew Robertson, Ty Emberson and Mac Hollowell.