Well, this is a bit of stunning news. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, who tends to always have rumors, so take this one with a bit of “professional skepticism”, mentions that the Rangers have been trying to deal Wade Redden, but have been unsuccessful. Taking this further Garrioch states that:

There is talk the Rangers might waive D Wade Redden at the start of next season and send him to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack to get his $6.5-million salary off the books. New York has tried to deal Redden, but nobody is willing to bite. He still has $32.5 million and five years left on his contract.

As I said, take this with a grain of salt. Financially, it makes a ton of sense to waive Redden. Obviously his $6.5 million contract was a mistake. From a hockey sense, waiving Redden leaves the defense as Rozsival, Staal, Girardi, Gilroy, and two empty spots. There are a myriad of options for the Rangers with the two open spots, but that’s not where the extra cap room will be spent.

You have to assume that if the Rangers waive Redden, and bury him in the minors, that the money saved will be used on a big time scorer. There are a few available, and only one that I would cringe at (Gaborik). Clear the cap room and sign Hossa? I’m all for it.

Of course, this is pure speculation. I don’t think Sather will admit his mistake with Redden this soon. Still, it’s worth noting that waiving Redden has upgraded from fan grumblings to irresponsible rumor mongoring.

Update 8:30pm: Just for some clarification, Redden has a limited no-trade clause, meaning he can reject a trade to 8 teams he lists at the beginning of the offseason. This is not a no-movement clause. He can be waived.

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