When assessing his options as a free agent earlier this summer, forward Lee Stempniak believed he was a good fit for the New York Rangers due, in part, to his strong skating abilities, something that head coach Alain Vigneault values highly.
"The style of play they play is well-suited to my game, and I think I can contribute, come in and help the team win games," Stempniak told Blueshirts United.
"I think this is a really good opportunity for me. I feel like this is a good fit for me. For me I try and skate and use my speed, get in on the forecheck, attack off the rush - speed is key to my game. But I also play hard, have a strong work ethic, and look to play a 200-foot game. That should fit in with this team's style, I hope."
The team's home arena also played a big part in his decision to move to the Big Apple.
"I have always liked playing at MSG because it always feel like a special event. For me I have always loved playing in New York, I have a lot of friends from college that live there; and there is just an aura at The Garden--a really cool atmosphere to play the game. So I am really excited to play for the Rangers and to now call The Garden home."
Stempniak will be welcomed into the Rangers' locker room by some familiar faces, having previously played with Tanner Glass in Pittsburgh, Matthew Lombardi in Phoenix and Dominic Moore in Toronto.
