New York Rangers’ defenseman Ryan McDonagh joins HC Barys Astana in Kontinental Hockey League
Ryan McDonagh, an American international ice hockey professional player, who plays for New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL), has joined HC Barys Astana, a Kazakhstan based team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
23-year-old defenseman, who was drafted by the New York Rangers team in first round of the 2007 NHL Draft, selected at 12th overall, is the third Rangers player who has signed a contract with a European team since the lockout. Earlier, Rick Nash
signed with HC Davos in Switzerland, whereas Carl Hagelin signed with Sodertalje SK in Swedish league.
But there is one thing common in contracts of all three of them, that they will leave overseas leagues and will immediately return to North American once the lockout ends and new season begins.
While talking to Daily News via email, the St. Paul, Minnesota native cleared that it was a decision which he made after thinking a lot because he wanted to keep himself in action and fit enough to play again when the new season begins. He is sure that in
this way he is going to help Rangers do better, as he said,
“The decision was tough, but ultimately I wanted to put myself in a situation that would best prepare me to be playing at my best when the Rangers start up again. I love playing this game, and this is a great opportunity for me to play and stay in game shape
so I can ultimately be at my best to help the Rangers win”.
According to the blue liner, he had many offers from other European leagues but he wanted to join the best leagues, which is Russian league in his opinion, so he grabbed the opportunity he soon as he got one. McDonagh added,
“That’s truly what my thought process was. I had some options earlier that just weren’t the right timing for me. This opportunity came available and I didn’t want to miss a chance to play hockey.”
The 6-foot-1, 200 pounder player did not miss a single game in last regular season and scored seven goals, 25 assists for a total of 32 points in 82 games.
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