NEW YORK — The New York Rangers signed forward Chris Kreider to a four-year contract worth $18.5 million in a last-minute deal that helped the sides avoid arbitration.

General manager Jeff Gorton announced the agreement on Friday. Hours later, he also announced the signing of the Rangers’ other major restricted free agent, center Kevin Hayes.

Hayes signed a two-year contract for $5.2 million. He was scheduled to have an arbitration hearing next week.

Kreider had 21 goals and 22 assists in 79 games for New York and a plus-10 rating. Hayes had 14 goals and 22 assists in 79 games this past season.