Rangers cut McDonagh and Valentenko
Pavel Valentenko #46 of the New York Rangers knocks over David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils in the second period of a preseason hockey game at Prudential Center. (Sept. 25, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
Rookie Michael Sauer and veteran Steve Eminger survived another round of defense cuts Sunday as the Rangers assigned youngsters Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko to Hartford.
McDonagh, who passed on his senior year in Wisconsin to turn pro, and Valentenko, who played in the KHL last season, had good camps but don't have to clear waivers. Sauer, 23, a second-round draftee in 2005 who has been plagued by injuries, and Eminger, 26, who arrived from the Ducks in exchange for Aaron Voros, need to clear waivers.
Sauer, a Minnesota native, was 3-9-12 in 42 games for the Wolf Pack last season. The Rangers are the sixth NHL team for Eminger, who was 4-12-16 in 63 games for Anaheim.
Seven defensemen remain among the 25 players in camp. Five are righties, leading to speculation that a trade or waiver claim is coming. Both McDonagh and Valentenko are lefthanded and can be recalled without being subject to re-entry waivers. Matt Gilroy could be shifted to the left side.
Chris Drury (broken finger) and Vinny Prospal (knee) are injured, leaving 14 healthy forwards. Final rosters of up to 23 players must be set by Wednesday at 3 p.m.
With tryout Ruslan Fedotenko, who likely will be signed, the Rangers will be under the $59.4-million salary cap, but will need to apply the bonus cushion. Whenever Drury and Prospal return, there will be reassignments or waivers.
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