Rangers place White and Kennedy on waivers

NHL team rosters are required to be under the $59.4-million salary cap by 3 p.m. Wednesday, and the Rangers appear poised to make some last-minute changes.

General manager Glen Sather Tuesday placed Tim Kennedy, due to earn $550,000, and Todd White, whose salary is $2.375 million, on waivers.

"It just gives us some options in case somebody becomes available in the next day or two we can use," Sather said. "There's always that possibility [of losing Kennedy]. At the same time, you have to remember there are some kids in Hartford that can play here, as well. It just gives us a little more versatility. I think they both played fine."

Sather said he wasn't intrigued by the players on the waiver wire Tuesday, but expects better offerings Wednesday.

"Say somebody's got a cap problem and they put a real good player on waivers tomorrow, then we have the room," Sather said. "Maybe you're looking at a defenseman that could be there. By opening up this space, we'd have room to absorb him."

Sather did not deny that a trade is brewing. If, however, Sather is working on an exchange with Edmonton for defenseman Sheldon Souray, whose cap hit is $5.4 million, shedding White's and Kennedy's salaries wouldn't be enough.

Vancouver's Christian Ehrhoff, a German-born defenseman who earns $3.1 million this year and is unrestricted next year, could be available in a deal, sources said.

The Flames, Devils, Canucks and Sharks are over the cap; the Wild, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Flyers are under by less than $1 million.

Kennedy, 24, a free agent who had 10 goals and 26 points last season with Buffalo, was repeatedly praised by coach John Tortorella in camp, although the coach said he "faded" in recent days. White, 35, arrived from Atlanta in the swap for Donald Brashear and Patrick Rissmiller. If neither is claimed, Tortorella expects them to be with the team - and not immediately assigned to Hartford.

Notes & quotes: Tortorella brought in Doug Brown, a retired Army 4-star general, and two special ops colonels to speak with the players about teamwork and commitment. "Reality check," Brian Boyle said.

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