Adam fox on Monday agreed to a seven-year, $ 66.5 million contract with the New York Rangers. It has an average annual value of $ 9.5 million.

“It’s obviously very special to me,” said Fox, who grew up in Jericho, New York, on Long Island. “I feel like I’ve been a Ranger my whole life, since I was a kid, and to have this opportunity now and to be with this organization for seven more years, it’s so special and it doesn’t ain’t no place I’d rather be.

“Relief is a word, just joy. I wanted to be a New York Ranger and now that I’ve been here and here for a long time, it’s a huge honor for me, and I’m so excited.”

The 23-year-old defenseman, who is in the final year of his entry-level contract and could have become a restricted free agent after that season, has nine points (two goals, seven assists) in nine games. Last season, he won the Norris Trophy voted NHL’s top defenseman after scoring 47 points (five goals, 42 assists) and a plus-19 rating in 55 games.

“In just over two seasons, Adam has always shown why he is a cornerstone of our organization and one of the best players in the NHL,” said New York general manager Chris Drury. “It has been a privilege for us and our fans to see Adam show off his abilities every night, and we are happy to have this opportunity for seven more years.”

Selected by the Calgary Flames in the third round (66th) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Fox was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes on June 23, 2018, before being traded to the Rangers on April 30, 2019.

He scored 98 points (15 goals, 83 assists) in 134 regular season games and zero points in three playoff games.

“As a player I think everyone sees it,” said the Rangers defenseman. Ryan lindgren noted. “Obviously you see how dynamic he is offensively, how much he thinks about the game. The guys in the locker room were just talking about his defensive quality as well. ice. He’s so good on the penalty kill. He’s so good with his stick. He’s such a good defender and how good he is offensively.