Welcome Back Emmy! (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Everyone said that last season’s Rangers defense was one of the strongest in the league. Apparently the Rangers agree as another piece was re-signed today. Steve Eminger, after showing up this morning for the teams’ annual golf outing, officially returns on a one year contract worth $750k. That leaves Michael Del Zotto as the only piece missing. I’m not worried as he’ll be back.

The interesting part to me is how the Rangers kept the exact same seven defensemen. Tortorella obviously didn’t trust his third pair while Bickel and Eminger switched in and out during the playoffs. Hopefully he gains a little more trust in them this season as our top four can’t be playing 25-30 minutes a night.

Personally I never had an opinion on Eminger one way or another but I do know he’s comfortable with the team and that is a big piece to me when deciding who to bring in. Therefore, welcome back Emmy!