Many thought the Mike Rupp signing earlier today spelled trouble for Ruslan Fedotenko, but TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that New York has retained the left winger with a one-year, $1.4 million deal.

Fedotenko, 32, was a training camp invite last September and not only made the team, but played a critical role for the Rangers throughout the season.

His numbers weren’t eye-popping (10 goals and 15 assists), but Fedotenko played in all situations and fit like a glove.

When Ryan Callahan went down with injuries, Coach John Tortorella said that Fedotenko was essentially his replacement and the coach handed his old Tampa Bay player even more responsibility.

This is a very strong deal for the Blueshirts; not only did they get Fedotenko at a very reasonable price, but this is just a one-year deal so New York can still move on to youngsters in the near future.

The addition of Rupp and re-signing of Fedotenko may make it very difficult for Carl Hagelin to earn a spot with the Rangers out of training camp this season, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for the Michigan grad to get a year of seasoning in the AHL.

With all the crazy contracts handed out today by GMs around the league, Fedotenko has to be considered a huge bargain.  It’s quite possible that Fedotenko was offered more money and years by other teams but chose to remain in New York.

It will be interesting to see if Fedotenko returns to his spot alongside Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust, a line that had tremendous success last year, or if Rupp takes that spot and Fedotenko is moved up in the lineup.

And if it wasn’t already a given, Vinny Prospal’s time with the Rangers is clearly over.

Click here to read or 2010-2011 season review for Fedotenko >