The New York Rangers have signed free agent forward Justin Fontaine to a two-way contract and assigned him to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
Fontaine, 28, has skated in 197 career NHL games over three seasons, all with Minnesota, registering 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points, along with a plus-22 rating and 58 penalty minutes. He has posted a plus/minus rating of even or better in each of his three NHL seasons, including a plus-13 rating during the 2014-15 season.
In addition, Fontaine helped Minnesota advance to the playoffs in each of his three seasons with the team, and he has recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in 19 career NHL playoff games.
The 5-10, 174-pounder skated in 60 games with Minnesota in 2015-16, registering five goals and 11 assists for 16 points, along with a plus-three rating and 20 penalty minutes.
Prior to making his NHL debut, Fontaine played two seasons with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League, recording 111 points (39 goals, 72 assists) in 137 games.
The Bonnyville, Alta., native was originally signed by Minnesota as an undrafted free agent on April 19, 2011.
