The New York Rangers have continued to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, announcing the signing of defenseman Marc Del Gaizo to a two-year contract. The move, confirmed by President and General Manager Chris Drury, adds another young, mobile blueliner to the organization’s defensive depth as the Rangers continue building for another playoff run.
At 26 years old, Del Gaizo arrives in New York after an impressive campaign with the Laval Rocket, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. He appeared in 63 regular-season games during the 2025-26 season, producing one of the strongest offensive years of his professional career. The left-shot defenseman scored nine goals while adding 18 assists for a total of 27 points, setting a new career high in goals and matching his reputation as a defenseman capable of contributing at both ends of the ice.
Del Gaizo also demonstrated an increased willingness to generate offense from the blue line, recording a career-best 127 shots on goal. That total ranked fifth among all Laval skaters and highlighted his aggressive approach in the offensive zone. Among Rocket defensemen, he finished second in both goals and total points while placing third in assists, further showcasing his importance to the club throughout the season.
While much of his recent success has come in the AHL, Del Gaizo already possesses valuable NHL experience. Over the past two seasons, he suited up for the Nashville Predators, appearing in 55 regular-season games. During that span, he contributed two goals and seven assists for nine points while gaining experience against the league’s top competition and proving he can handle NHL minutes when called upon.
His professional résumé extends well beyond his NHL appearances. Across six seasons in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket, Milwaukee Admirals, and Chicago Wolves, Del Gaizo has developed into one of the more dependable offensive defensemen at the minor-league level. In 300 career AHL games, he has accumulated 34 goals and 94 assists for 128 total points, demonstrating consistent offensive production from the back end.
One of his most productive seasons came during the 2023-24 campaign with Milwaukee. That year, Del Gaizo posted a career-high 34 points, leading all Admirals defensemen in both assists and total scoring while tying for the team lead among defensemen with eight goals. His performance established him as one of the organization’s most reliable two-way defenders and helped pave the way for additional NHL opportunities.
Before turning professional, Del Gaizo enjoyed a successful collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts, where he spent three seasons developing into a complete defenseman. During his time with the Minutemen, he played 116 games and recorded 22 goals along with 48 assists, finishing with 70 career points.
His freshman season was particularly memorable, as he became one of only seven players to appear in all 41 games for Massachusetts. That year, the Minutemen advanced to the NCAA National Championship game, providing Del Gaizo with valuable experience competing on one of college hockey’s biggest stages.
A native of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Del Gaizo was originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Since entering the professional ranks, he has steadily improved each season, earning praise for his skating ability, offensive instincts, puck-moving skills, and dependable play in transition.
For the Rangers, the signing represents another strategic addition aimed at enhancing organizational depth without making a long-term financial commitment. Del Gaizo provides New York with an experienced defenseman capable of competing for NHL ice time while also serving as a reliable option should injuries arise during the season.
As training camp approaches, Del Gaizo will have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot and potentially carve out a larger role within the Rangers’ defensive corps. Whether he begins the season in New York or continues developing in the American Hockey League, the organization views him as a valuable addition whose experience, versatility, and offensive upside could prove beneficial over the course of the next two seasons.
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