Adam Cracknell, a lower-line right wing and penalty-killer, was claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Monday, a move that likely signals the return of teenaged rookie center Filip Chytil to the Czech Republic.
Cracknell, 32, was 10-6-16 in 69 games with Dallas last season, where Lindy Ruff, now an assistant with the Blueshirts, was head coach. His $675,000 salary cap charge easily fits.
Chytil, the 21st overall pick in the June draft, had a strong training camp, made the cut, and played in the team’s first two games before being a healthy scratch on Sunday against the Canadiens.