Ryan Malone was placed on waivers by the Rangers today.
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In unsurprising news, the Rangers placed Ryan Malone on waivers. Signed by Glen Sather in September, the veteran forward was brought in as insurance. Following an impressive camp, he got into five games finishing without a point with four penalty minutes and a minus-three rating.

The 34-year old Malone was disappointed when he learned of the news. “Everything happens for a reason,” he told the New York Post’s Larry Brooks in a tweet. “I don’t know the reason yet.”

Undoubtedly, he was deemed expendable due to the development of Anthony Duclair and Kevin Hayes. With Duclair playing his eighth game Saturday, he’s one away from the max before the Rangers make a decision. Given how he’s performed tallying a goal and four helpers while being one of the team’s most consistent players, Duclair should stay. Especially with noted scorers Marty St. Louis and Mats Zuccarello off to slow starts. Chris Kreider has struggled too.

After missing the first 10 games, Derek Stepan can be activated. It remains to be seen if he’ll dress tomorrow against St. Louis. Hartford recall Chris Mueller has been good so far. In five games, the center has scored a power play goal and added an assist while winning 30 of 46 faceoffs. His capability in the faceoff circle has improved the team in that facet. Especially with Derick Brassard showing improvement (108-and-86) and Dominic Moore a decent 84-and-71. It’ll be interesting to see if Stepan can improve on a career 44.0 percent. He was 45.2 last season.

With a surplus of forwards and a lack of depth on a depleted blueline, clearly the Rangers have to make room for a defenseman. Whether it be reinforcements from Hartford or via a trade with the club rumored to be interested in Carolina’s Andrej Sekera, a move is coming. We’ll just have to wait and see.