‘94 WINTER OLYMPICS / Lillehammer : NOTEBOOK

General Manager Neil Smith of the New York Rangers said he has signed U.S. defenseman Barry Richter and will assign him to Binghamton, N.Y., of the American Hockey League. He also intends to sign center Todd Marchant.

“With his speed, he’s got a chance,” Smith said. “I think we can make a checker out of him.”

However, Smith said he’s not interested in signing Peter or Chris Ferraro, even though Peter was the Olympic team’s top goal scorer in pre-tournament play. The Ferraros’ size--each twin is 5 feet 10 and 175 pounds--makes them questionable pro prospects.