The Rangers signed two centers yesterday, and neither was Mark Messier, whose prospects of returning to Broadway continue to fade.

Reverting to familiar form, the Blueshirts landed unrestricted free agent Michael Nylander with a three-year package plus a dual option fourth season. Nylander, who made $2.675 million last season, will make $2.9 million next year, and $3 million for each of the following two seasons, with the fourth year at $3 million (club option) or $2 million (player option).

They also signed their own restricted free agent Jamie Lundmark, who went 2-8-10 in 56 games last season. Lundmark, who made $1 million last year, will make $1.1 million.

Nylander, 31, suffered a broken leg in preseason last year and only played three games for the Caps before going to the Bruins March 4.