Rangers Sign Flames UFA Raphael Diaz

The New York Rangers have signed Calgary Flames unrestricted free-agent defenseman Raphael Diaz, who previously played 11 games with the team during the 2013-14 season. Diaz reportedly signed a one year, $700,000 contract. He and earlier UFA signing Viktor Stalberg are both expected to compete for spots on the Rangers’ NHL roster during training camp.

The New York Rangers have signed Raphael Diaz to a one-year, $700,000 contract.

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) July 1, 2015

Raphael Diaz Canadiens — Raphael Diaz returns to provide blueline depth for the Blueshirts (Warren Wimmer/Icon SMI)

The 29-year-old played with in 56 games last season for the Calgary Flames, scoring two goals and two assists. In his previous stint with the Blueshirts, Diaz registered a goal and an assist along with a plus-5 rating. In 63 total NHL games that season he had two goals and 13 assists. Diaz ranked third on the Canadiens in scoring from the blue line that season before being dealt to Vancouver.

Diaz appeared in four playoff games during New York’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals in his time there. In 201 career NHL appearances Diaz has recorded 8-41-49. He is scoreless in 12 career playoff games.

The 5-foot-11, 197 pound blueliner has played regularly in international competition for his native Switzerland, including an appearance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. He has participated in two Olympics and three IIHF World Championships, capturing a silver medal there in 2013.

Be sure to follow all of today’s free-agent action on THW Free Agent Tracker.

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Scott Lowe

A journalism major from the University of Maryland and a published author, Scott graduated summa cum laude from the Maryland College of Journalism in 1991 before pursuing a career in sports that has spanned almost 30 years and includes 15 years working at the NCAA Division I level in sports information and as an Assistant Athletic Director and nearly 10 years working for baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. Scott also served as
a college beat writer for the Baltimore/Washington sports publication Pressbox and Pressbox Online and currently is the Director of Digital Media for MYHockeyRankings.com. His son Devin was drafted by two U.S. Tier 2 junior hockey teams and currently plays NCAA Division III hockey for Suffolk University in Boston. His daughter Sydney plays college lacrosse for Franklin & Marshall in Pennsylvania.