The Wade Redden Era Error is mercifully over. It came to an end today when the Rangers waived the former All-Star defenseman. This move had been expected for a while. Though it’s typical of Glen Sather to do it a couple of days after Redden’s wife had a child. At least he wasn’t revered like Brian Leetch.

Amazingly, Slats signed Tinman two summers ago to a six-year $39 million contract with an astronomical $6.5 million cap hit. That same day, he also re-signed Michal Rozsival for four years, $20 million- easily one of the worst days in Ranger history. Just how out of touch was Sather. He actually believed Redden was this:

“In our opinion he’s the best first-passer in the game. He moves the puck up exceptionally. He’s somebody that we had targeted immediately. He was our No. 1 guy on defense, as well as Rozsival.“

Instead, Redden was a colossal bust, instantly becoming an MSG booing target along with Rozy who at least is still capable of contributing. In two seasons, the former Senator posted five goals and 35 assists for 40 points over 156 contests. He went 3-23-26 in Year One and just 2-12-14 in Year Two with the club missing the postseason for the first time since pre-lockout. If this is the end for him, he registered 106 goals and 344 assists totaling 450 points along with 654 penalty minutes while notching 53 power play goals (NYR-2), 21 game winners along with a solid plus-162 rating in 994 games.

Assuming he clears, the Rangers would finally be free of his hefty salary. Redden will take a few days to decide if he’ll accept being designated to AHL Hartford or if he can find a new home. The question is, who’d be interested?

Just remember Garden Faithful. While you’re all rejoicing that he’s no longer part of the problem, the senile Team President/GM continues to haunt this club from Dolan’s perch. It’s why I can’t get overly enthused despite what’s a step in the right direction. Until the stench that is the Cuban smoking son of a gun is gone, it’s awfully hard to see this team seriously challenging.