New York Rangers add defensive depth, sign Mac Hollowell to one-year deal

The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Mac Hollowell to a one-year contract worth $775,000.

Hollowell is coming off the best season of his pro career, although it was an injury-shortened one. The 5-foot-9 defenseman had 13 assists in 18 AHL games with the Toronto Marlies, proving to be one of the best two-way defenders. He also got into his first NHL action, registering two assists in six games with the Toronto Maple Leafs after signing his second NHL deal.

The 24-year-old has 61 points in 124 games over six AHL seasons, all with the Toronto Marlies after spending five years with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL. Hollowell is one of the few players that played at all steps of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ development ladder, seeing some time with the ECHL’s Newfound Growlers during the 2019-20 season.

An offensive defenseman, Hollowell isn’t afraid to rush the puck and generate offense from just about anywhere. He’s an undersized blueliner, but a solid depth option the Rangers could call upon thanks to his NHL experience.

The Rangers have $1.175 million in projected cap space with 12 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders signed. Hollowell will likely start the season in the AHL, with the team still needing to sign K’Andre Miller, making it more difficult for Hollowell to crack the lineup.