Paul Ranger, an unrestricted free agent, has landed a new contract overseas.
The former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman has agreed to a two-year deal to play for Geneve-Servette in Switzerland’s National League A.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been so excited to meet a new challenge,” said Ranger, via team press release. “I hope to live up to the expectations of our fans.”
Ranger, a 29-year-old native of Whitby, Ont., will join fellow Canadian Alexandre Picard on a Geneva roster that captured the Spengler Cup in 2013. (Matthew Lombardi, Servette’s leading scorer in 2013-14, returned to the NHL, signing a two-year deal with the New York Rangers this week.)
Servette is both managed and coached by Canadian Chris McSorley, brother of retired NHL enforcer Marty McSorley.
“Paul is an extremely talented defenceman who will bring us, in addition to solid defence, a big boost offensively,” McSorley, also a co-owner of the club, said in the release. “Paul is a leader who works for the good of his team. I think he will gain the respect of our fans very quickly.”
In 53 games with the Leafs in 2013-14, Ranger scored six goals, added eight assists and committed 36 minutes in penalties. He ranked sixth among Leafs defencemen in average ice time, skating 17:25 per game. Ranger leaves the NHL with 24 goals and 82 assists in 323 games played, most of which were with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2005 to 2009.
After a nearly three-year hiatus from the game due to undisclosed personal reasons, Ranger proved himself with the AHL Toronto Marlies in 2012 and signed a one-year, $1-million deal with the Leafs for the 2013-14 season. He became a UFA on July 1 and did not catch on with an NHL club, as the Leafs added free agent Stephane Robidas to their blue line.
