Vigneault on McIlrath: 'Selfishly, I hope he clears waivers'
The New York Rangers have placed Dylan McIlrath on waivers, but not because they don't want him.
Head coach Alain Vigneault took some time Thursday to explain the decision, saying McIlrath - who was drafted 10th overall in 2010 - is simply too far down the depth chart to justify keeping around.
"(General manager Jeff Gorton) and I and our staff had a long talk last night, and we just felt that at this time, Dylan needed to play," Vigneault said Thursday. "We all appreciate him as a person, he’s done everything that has been expected of him, and more. But on our team right now, he’s our eighth defenseman, and keeping him here and not having him play and the money going against the cap…
"Selfishly, I hope he clears waivers and goes to Hartford (AHL) and plays, Vigneault added. But if somebody would pick him up and give him an opportunity, I’d be very happy for him."
McIlrath is in the midst of a one-year, $800,000 contract, and could be a bargain for a team in need of a big, right-hand shot on the blue line.
He carries only 38 games of NHL experience with him, however, with two goals, two assists, and 84 penalty minutes to his credit.