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The NY Rangers brought back Mats Zuccarello, who had 23 points in 42 games in 2010-11.

(Photo by Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE)

With just 17 games left in the season and the Rangers fighting for a playoff spot, New York decided it needed a boost on offense to help a team that's struggled to score.

According to ESPNNewYork's Katie Strang, sources told her the Rangers signed Mats Zuccarello, the 5-foot-7 right wing who played for them the past two seasons before joining Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL last May.

There was a report last month that the Blueshirts were interested in speaking with Zuccarello, so it's not a complete surprise. And as Strang pointed out, the Rangers might also think about bringing Jesper Fast aboard as well.

In 44 KHL games, Zuccarello had 11 goals and 28 points. He added four points in seven playoff contests. When he was on Broadway, he had 23 points in 42 games during his rookie season, which included nine assists on the power play, something the Rangers must have noted in their decision to bring him back. Despite the fact that the Rangers scored a goal with a two-man advantage last night in their shootout loss to the Capitals, the power play is still ranked just 25th in the NHL.

Though Zuccarello did play with the Rangers last season, he fractured his wrist just over a year ago after blocking a shot. The injury limited him to just 10 games in 2011-12.

The only question surrounding Zuccarello's return is whom he'd replace in the lineup. It could mean J.T. Miller's wrist injury may keep him out longer than expected. Or Miller could be back soon and will be return to playing center, where Kris Newbury is for the moment after being called up from the AHL.

But that's all speculation for now. The key is the Rangers get back a forward who can provide immediate help as they make their late-season push.