The Rangers will open the season with a Mac Truck and a Mac Train on their blue line.
Dylan McIlrath, 23, the organization’s imposing 10th overall 2010 first-round pick, officially made the opening night roster Friday morning when GM Jeff Gorton placed veteran defenseman Raphael Diaz on waivers.
McIlrath, the steam-rolling train of a presence to complement captain Ryan McDonagh’s “Mac Truck” nickname, is expected to start the season as the Rangers’ extra, seventh defenseman.
McIlrath has played just three career NHL games for the Blueshirts since being drafted but has worked his butt off and is an easy person to root for.