Shanahan joins NY Rangers

A seven-times all-star and one of the NHL's premiere power forwards, Shanahan had 40 goals and 81 points for the Red Wings last season and ranks first among all active NHL players in goals with 598.

"We are thrilled to welcome Brendan and his family to the Rangers," Rangers general manager Glen Sather said on the team's web site. "He continues to perform at an elite level and also brings outstanding leadership qualities to our organization.

"Brendan will be a tremendous player and person for our young players to learn from."

Just one of 10 players to score at least 30 goals in 12 seasons, the 37-year-old Shanahan will be expected to take some of the scoring responsibility away from Jaromir Jagr.

A veteran of 18 NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers and Detroit Red Wings, Shanahan has amassed 598 goals and 634 assists for 1,232 points, along with 2,378 penalty minutes.

Some time early next season the rugged forward is likely to become just the 15th player in NHL history to score 600 goals.

Shanahan has also been a fixture on Team Canada, helping the country to gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics, becoming just the third player in NHL history to win an Olympic gold and Stanley Cup in the same year.

The loss of Shanahan is another blow to the Red Wings after future Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman announced his retirement last week.