The Rangers have two very large problems at hand: 1) they are right up on the salary cap, which leaves them little room to address their 2) anemic defense. While many are speculating that Wade Redden (or Michal Rozeival) could be sent to the minors to relieve some of the cap stress, especially after coach John Tortorella’s comments about adding a seventh devenseman, I don’t see that happening. There are other ways to add a defenseman without waiving another.

Currently, the Rangers are carrying 14 forwards and 6 defensemen. The easy solution here is to dump a forward and call up a defenseman. Who gets the heave-ho? If I had to guess, it would be one of Aaron Voros or Erik Christensen. Voros hasn’t been able to crack the roster since Torts came on board last season, and Donald Brashear’s presence makes Voros expendable. Christensen, recently claimed off waivers from Anaheim, has been unimpressive since joining the Rangers. Both would have to pass through waivers to be sent down to Hartford. Once there, it will be unlikely that either will be recalled, as there is a good chance they will be claimed off re-entry waivers for a discount.

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