Sean Durzi, Marcus Pettersson feel they can form ‘exciting pair’ on Rangers’ retooled blueline

Rangers training camp still doesn’t kick off for at least another month, but two of the teams newcomers have already started to build their relationship. 

Marcus Pettersson told reports on his introductory Zoom call earlier this week that he was in Prague for his former teammates wedding when Sean Durzi’s agent connected the two for a quick phone call. 

They briefly discussed their excitement over joining the Blueshirts and playing with each other after separate deals brought them both to the Big Apple on the first day of NHL free agency.

“Even though it was brief, it was great,” Pettersson said. “It was nice getting a little bit of a head start being able to exchange a few words with each other.”

The head start certainly could go a long way, as the two are expected to link up on New York’s second defensive pairing as part of their retooled core on the backend heading into this season.

GM Chris Drury feels that their games could complement each other really well. 

The 30-year-old Pettersson is a left-handed shooting defenseman who plays a strong two-way game, but is more known for his work in the defensive zone.

Durzi, meanwhile, is an offensive-minded right-handed shooting d-man who moves the puck well which should help drive play through the neutral zone from the backend. 

“I think Marcus’ game is incredible,” Durzi said. “I’ve played against him a lot over the years -- if I’m lucky enough to play alongside him, then I think it could be an exciting pair.”

“I know Sean’s game,” Pettersson said. He’s an offensive guy, but has an edge -- I played with John Marino who he played with in Utah and he only talked good things about him and his game -- I think we’d make a great pair.”

Durzi missed some time to injury, but still finished third among Utah defensemen in points last year (27). 

Petterson is coming off a bit of a down season with the Canucks, but he seems like a good bet to bounceback skating back in a system he already has some familiarity with.