The New York Rangers are nearing an agreement to sign versatile Finnish winger Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year contract, with the deal expected to be worth $1.5 million, according to reports.
Tolvanen, a former first-round pick, has spent the last three seasons with the Seattle Kraken, where he has consistently posted 35 or more points. His career high of 23 goals came in the 2024-25 season. He is capable of playing on both the left and right wings, though he has predominantly played on the right side.
The 27-year-old could provide an immediate boost to the Rangers' power play, having been utilized on the man-advantage throughout his NHL career, including with the Kraken's second unit last season where he recorded 14 power-play points. Tolvanen also saw increasing responsibility on the penalty kill for Seattle, accumulating the seventh-most shorthanded minutes on the team last season.
Despite not fully realizing his initial reputation as a pure sniper, Tolvanen has developed a physical aspect to his game. Since joining the Kraken, he has led the team in hits and has also contributed defensively with a significant number of blocked shots over the past three seasons. Tolvanen brings over 400 regular-season games and 21 playoff game experiences to New York.
The addition of Tolvanen is expected to add depth to the Rangers' middle-six forward group and enhance their special teams units.