So much for the tryout. Johan Hedberg didn’t last long with the Rangers. The 40-year old veteran goalie was among six players cut as the Rangers trimmed the roster down to 39. Cam Talbot’s emergence combined with steady play from Marty Biron in yesterday’s 3-2 preseason win over the Flyers made Hedberg the odd man out.

The other five cuts were forwards Ryan Bourque, Josh Nicholls, Shawn O’Donnell, Michael St. Croix and defenseman Brendon Nash. No real surprises here as none of the players had a realistic chance. St. Croix has the most upside of the five with second line potential. A full year in Hartford should help prepare him. He’ll enter his first pro year. Nicholls impressed during camp and might have a future. The 21-year old is a former Leafs’ 2010 seven round pick who put up 47 goals and 85 points for Saskatoon of the Western Hockey League. At the very least, he’ll likely play in the AHL.

One other note from today. The Rangers finally removed Derek Stepan from the official roster. It really comes as no surprise with the restricted free agent remaining unsigned. Until Alain Vigneault and the coaching staff finalize the roster, Glen Sather can’t realistically sign Stepan. The current payroll has $2.18 million in cap space. Carl Hagelin enters the first of a bridge deal that pays him $2.25 million per year. Without stating the obvious, Stepan deserves more.

With kids Jesper Fast, Marek Hrivik, Danny Kristo, Oscar Lindberg and Andrew Yogan all still in camp, the competition heats up. Darroll Powe scored off a deflection last night by simply stopping in front. Exactly what Vigneault wants to see. Yogan took the shot. The 21-year old former 2010 fourth round pick has carried forward a strong rookie camp at Traverse City and is still fighting for a spot. Other forwards still around are Micheal Haley, Michael Kantor and Brandon Mashinter. J.T. Miller remains banged up.

Also still around is Dylan McIlrath, who had a rough game Tuesday. A couple of turnovers led to both Flyers goals. He did get on the score sheet when his shot banked to Derick Brassard, who fed Benoit Pouliot for the game-winner. It looks like he might still need some work with the Wolf Pack. Losing almost a year due to a left knee dislocation set him back. More time working with Jeff Beukeboom can’t hurt.

That’s about it for now. We’ll post more later.