Rangers sign Pavelec to back up Lundqvist

The New York Rangers signed goaltender Ondrej Pavelec to a one-year, $1.3-million contract to serve as the backup to starter Henrik Lundqvist.

Pavelec, who started just eight games with the Winnipeg Jets last season, posted a .888 save percentage, 3.55 goals-against average, and no shutouts. He has a career .907 save percentage and 2.87 goal-against average in 10 seasons with the Jets and Atlanta Thrashers organization.

He replaces backup goaltender Antti Raanta, who was traded to the Arizona Coyotes along with forward Derek Stepan last week. Raanta posted a .922 save percentage and 2.26 GAA in 26 starts for the Rangers last season.