Just hours after being cut from training camp, the New York Rangers have waived defenseman Pavel Valentenko, per TSN.
Valentenko, 23, has a very poor camp just a year after nearly making the team thanks to his blistering shot and physical presence. He was sent to the Connecticut Whale (AHL) earlier today, but there have been some rumblings that he may be headed back to Russia.
Along with Valentenko, the Rangers also put Wade Redden on waivers.
In total, 40 players were waived around the NHL today, including former Ranger Ales Kotalik, Cristobal Huet, Eric Godard,
Pretty surprised here, as Valentenko is still considered one of the better Rangers defensive prospects in the system. He must have showed the coaching staff something this week to make them think otherwise. That, and the Russia rumors obviously led to his waiving.
No surprise with Redden.
New York Rangers Blog 