Unexpected Move: Former Rangers Defenseman Shocks Fans with KHL Contract Deal

Ben Harpur, once a staple on the New York Rangers’ defense, is taking his talents across the globe—landing a fresh one-year deal with the Shanghai Dragons in the KHL. It’s a move that caught my eye, especially given the way things unfolded this offseason. After not securing a contract with the Florida Panthers despite a solid shot at it during their training camp, Harpur’s pivot to the international rink feels like a calculated step to keep his career momentum alive. His recent seasons, hot off the ice with the Rangers and then grinding it out with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, show a player not ready to fade quietly. With 198 NHL games under his belt across several teams and a reputation for his physical game, this signing could be just what the Dragons need on their blue line. It’s a fascinating twist for a defenseman whose journey is far from over. LEARN MORE

According to Championat’s Anton Pachenko, former New York Rangers defenseman Ben Harpur has signed a one-year contract with the Shanghai Dragons of the KHL. 

Harpur signing in the KHL comes after he did not land a contract with the Florida Panthers after participating in their training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). Now, the former Ranger will be playing overseas with the Dragons, where he should be a solid part of their blueline.

Harpur played in 42 games with the Rangers during the 2022-23 season, where he recorded one goal, five assists, six points, 57 blocks, 63 hits, and an even plus/minus rating. This is the last season that he played at the NHL level, but he did play the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns exclusively with the Rangers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

In 29 games during the 2024-25 with Hartford, Harpur posted one goal, four assists, five points, 48 penalty minutes, and a minus-4 rating. 

In 198 career NHL games split between the Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, and Rangers, Harpur recorded two goals, 19 assists, 21 points, 143 penalty minutes, 221 blocks, and 317 hits.