New York Rangers GM Glen Sather continues to add veteran depth to his roster via this summer’s UFA market, adding forward Markus Naslund and defenseman Dmitri Kalinin.

Details are still pending on the Kalinin signing but Naslund has been signed to a one-year, $4.5 two-year, $8 million contract.

Naslund’s been considered a fading force in his final years with the Vancouver Canucks but it’s possible he could bounce back if he weren’t facing pressure to carry the offensive load.

This move might also be seen as possible enticement for Mats Sundin to sign with the Rangers although these signings likely means less room for the kind of money he’s been attracting in the UFA market.

Kalinin struggled at times in his final two seasons in Buffalo occasionally earning a place in head coach Lindy Ruff’s doghouse. It was rumored earlier this spring he might sign with a Russian team .

If Kalinin can rebound with a fresh start in New York he could be a solid addition to the Rangers blueline, but if not he could replace the departed Marek Malik as the favorite target of the MSG boo-birds.

**UPDATE** GM Glen Sather stated during a media conference call announcing this trade that Jaromir Jagr won't be back with the Rangers.

Kalinin's contract is a one-year deal, financial terms are still unavailable.

It didn’t take long for the Vancouver Canucks to find a replacement for recently deposed general manager Dave Nonis.

Various reports on Tuesday night claim the Canucks will call a news conference on Wednesday where it’s expected they’ll announce the hiring of player agent Mike Gillis as their new general manager.

Team owner Francesco Aquilini declined to comment on Tuesday afternoon when questioned by reporters.

As per the Vancouver Sun/Canwest News Services:

“Gillis, 49, is a former NHL player with the Boston Bruins and former Colorado Rockies. He has never worked in management but has represented players since 1991.

His first client was former Canuck Geoff Courtnall and he currently represents Canuck captain Markus Naslund.”

Hmmmm, represents Naslund, eh? Who’s eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, eh?

Of course, Gillis cannot represent Naslund once he’s officially hired as Canucks GM, but one has to wonder if retaining his soon-to-be former client might be one of his priorities this summer, perhaps by making some moves to bring in more offensive depth.

You can bet that’ll be among the first questions he’s asked at the press conference.

This could be a very interesting summer in Vancouver.