Rangers Shuffle Roster: Bickel Waived, Halpern Claimed By Canadiens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The New York Rangers are making a number of moves to shake-up their roster. After forward Jeff Halpern was claimed by the Montreal Canadiens, the Rangers placed versatile defenseman-forward Stu Bickel on waivers.
Halpern signed a one-year deal with New York this offseason and was claimed by the Canadiens on Saturday. In 30 games for the Rangers, he only registered one assist and did not score a goal. Halpern previously played in Montreal during the 2010-11 season.
Bickel has seen his minutes and opportunities cut in his second season as a Ranger. He has not registered any points in 16 games this season and has often been a healthy scratch.
In the summer, Bickel signed a two-year contract and hoped to see his role increase in 2013. That wasn't the case. Bickel told Andrew Gross of the Record Saturday, "It's been tough for me to get an opportunity and play any minutes on the back end to develop my confidence."
To take Bickel's place on the roster, the Rangers have called up forward Kris Newbury from the Connecticut Whale of the AHL. He played one game for the Rangers on January 24, before being sent down to the minors.
Meanwhile, winger Arron Asham told reporters Saturday that he's ready to go against the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Asham hasn't played since February 19 due to back spasms.
Are the Rangers better off without Bickel and Halpern?
