The gamble paid off. Veteran defenseman Raphael Diaz cleared waivers and was sent to Hartford of the American Hockey League, giving the already blue line-rich Rangers even more depth.
Forward Jayson Megna also cleared waivers and was sent to Hartford.
Diaz, 29, was beaten out by youngster Dylan McIlrath, the team’s first-round pick in 2010 who is the Rangers’ seventh defenseman at the moment.
“It gives us obviously good depth and gives us a little time to figure out things here also,” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. “With Diaz, and even Megna, who had a real good camp, these are real good options for us.