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Jensen signs in Finland after leading Rangers’ AHL affiliate in scoring

Buffalo Sabres v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 03: Nicklas Jensen #39 of the New York Rangers skates against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on January 3, 2017 in New York City. The Sabres defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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A summer of change for the New York Rangers also extends, apparently, to their AHL affiliate.

After easily leading the Hartford Wolf Pack in scoring with 55 points in 70 games, Nicklas Jensen signed a one-year deal with Jokerit, a Finnish team in the KHL.

Jokerit notes that there is an “option” for 2018-19, though it is not specified if said option is for the team or Jensen himself.

Jensen, 24, was the 29th pick in the 2011 NHL Draft by Vancouver. He appeared in seven regular-season games for the Rangers last season, failing to generate a point.

Still, those 55 points - including 32 goals (second in the American Hockey League) - in the AHL make you wonder if there was at least a little potential for him to be the type who might provide some depth flexibility, whether it be for the Rangers or another team. Perhaps getting a more regular role in the KHL is preferable to such a scenario for Jensen, anyway?

Considering his minimal NHL numbers so far, this probably isn’t a significant loss for the Rangers as an organization, at least compared to losing the likes of Derek Stepan (via trade) and Oscar Lindberg (thanks to the expansion draft).