Since he signed with the Rangers, Mike Rupp has been a favorite of John Tortorella for being a glue guy and a big positive presence in the locker room.

While discussing why the Rangers traded Rupp away, John Tortorella said, “Rupper, I don’t have a bad word to say about him. (I have) a tremendous amount of respect for him. I had a tough time getting him on the ice as much as I really wanted to. I’m just worried about the speed of the game. He certainly brings some jam and has been a really good teammate but it’s a situation where I am concerned about the middle of our lineup and the versatility that we do not have right there. The biggest thing for me with Rupper was just the pace of the game and we do add some depth.”

Thanks to all the unbelievable wishes from the NYR fans. Truly an honor to put that sweater on, with the opportunity to play for you all!—
Mike Rupp (@Rupper17) February 05, 2013

Great group of teammates I will miss! #keeponkeepingon #salute #ticklefest—
Mike Rupp (@Rupper17) February 05, 2013