How do I love thee? 6.5 million ways!!

Once upon a time, there was a defenseman.

And he played in Ottawa - in the land called Canada.

And he was good.

Not great. Good. Not "faaaab-u-lous". Just "good".

And the rulers of Ottawa were wise - and they took counsel with themselves and said "Lo - let him go to the unrestricted free agency! For we have seen him play, and he is not worth the ransom he wants to continue to play here in Ottawa, in the land called Canada".

And lo - unto unrestricted free agency he didst enter.

More - after "the jump".....

And the rulers of the New York Rangers looked at those entering unrestricted free agency.

And they coveted this defenseman. Greatly.

They said: "LO! Look at this defenseman!! He is 'the best first passer in the game !!' We must have him here in the Garden of Madison, Square! "

And they proclaimed their desire to this defenseman - and lavished him with promises of riches beyond compare, and a long contract, and even a Clause of No Trade !

And the defenseman, humbled no doubt by this attention, agreed.

And the Rangers Rulers loudly proclaimed at the announcement of the agreement:

"He is our NUMBER ONE GUY!! He is the best first passer in the game!!"

Courtesy of PHOTOSHOPTHERangers - we can now show you exclusive photos of that momentous occasion, just before the public announcement!

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