Rangers Cut Valentenko and McDonagh

According to their official website, the New York Rangers have cut defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko, as they will both head to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. So it seems as if Mike Sauer and Steve Eminger have made the team as the sixth and seventh defensemen. It comes as a surprise that Sauer beat out McDonagh, which was not expected heading into training camp. McDonagh had a spot with his name on it, but obviously did not show the coaching staff enough for them to keep him around. Plus, he will get more playing time in Hartford, anyway, which I am sure also factored into this decision. So now we are just waiting for the final cuts on offense, and we will then know what the opening night roster will look like. But remember, those will probably not be made until Vinny Prospal and Chris Drury return from injury. Also, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen and Dale Weise were returned to the Wolf Pack today as well.