Motte initially joined the Rangers at the trade deadline in 2022. He reportedly very much wanted to remain with the team, but a deal could not be reached and he signed a one-year contract with Ottawa for last year. Motte was sent back to the Rangers by the Senators at last year's deadline, a sign that the team once again wanted to keep him. However, Motte ended up signing with the Bolts for $800k, just above league minimum. Larry Brooks of the New York Post says Motte was asking for way too much from the Rangers.