Rangers sign Fedotenko after impressive camp

Ruslan Fedotenko, a 31-year-old wing who arrived in camp as a tryout and led the Rangers in preseason scoring, agreed to a one-year, $1-million contract yesterday. Fedotenko has a goal and six assists. He can play either wing and shed 18 pounds to get close to the weight he played at in Tampa during his last go-round with coach John Tortorella, who said of him: "His play speaks for itself."

The signing might not be the last move the Rangers make before they head to Buffalo for the regular-season opener Saturday. The Rangers could use a lefthanded defenseman and a No. 1 center, too.

Vinny Prospal was about to audition for the role between Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov before his right knee became inflamed, triggering an exam last week and the advice to rest for two weeks. If there's no improvement, surgery cannot be ruled out if Prospal, 34 - who had arthroscopic surgery on the knee last December - wants to continue his career this season, sources said.

Prospal could be put on long-term IR before rosters are set at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The Rangers are about $1 million under the $59.4-million salary cap.

In the interim, Erik Christensen remained at center; rookie Derek Stepan also has played there.

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