Updated

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Rangers added some muscle to their forward corps by agreeing to terms with Mike Rupp, who left the Pittsburgh Penguins for a US$4.5-million, three-year deal with New York.

The Rangers made the move Friday, during the first day of the NHL's free-agent signing period, while waiting to hear if they would land coveted centre Brad Richards, who highlighted this year's class of unrestricted players.

The 31-year-old Rupp, who scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for New Jersey in 2003 during Game 7 against Anaheim, had nine goals, eight assists and 124 penalty minutes in 81 games last season with Pittsburgh.

In 497 NHL games with New Jersey, Phoenix, Columbus and Pittsburgh, Rupp has 49 goals, 89 points, and 656 penalty minutes. He has surpassed 100 hits in each of the last five seasons.