NEW YORK -- Rangers forward Blair Betts signed a two-year
contract extension Thursday that will keep the checking-line center
in the fold through the 2008-09 season.
Betts, who has five goals and an assist while playing in New
York's first 41 games this season, will receive $615,000 for each
of the next two years. He is earning $550,000 this season, Betts'
fifth in the NHL and second with the Rangers.
Betts entered Thursday night's home game against Philadelphia
with 50 blocked shots, the most among NHL forwards.
In 142 career NHL games, including a short stint with the
Calgary Flames, Betts had 16 goals and 24 points. He had one of New
York's four goals in last season's playoffs when the Rangers were
swept in the first round by New Jersey.