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With trade winds blowing, Rangers send Etem to AHL on conditioning stint

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY Sports

The hockey world held its collective breath Friday, wondering what fate the league had in store for New York Rangers forward Emerson Etem.

Etem, 23, and with only three assists in 19 games, didn't practice in the morning. Where there's smoke, people desperately try to find a fire.

Complicating matters, Etem must pass through waivers to go to the AHL - unless he heads down on a conditioning stint.

"A few teams have been talking to (the Rangers) about Etem," McKenzie added.

Etem was acquired by New York in the offseason, in a trade that sent Carl Hagelin and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. As the suspense built Friday, a potential destination was floated, too:

Finally, the hammer: Etem was sent to the AHL on a - you guessed it - conditioning stint, head coach Alain Vigneault announced. He'll appear in three games this weekend with the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Etem was a first-round pick of the Ducks in 2010, 29th overall. He has 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 131 career games. And his time in New York appears limited.

But, remember, don't jump the gun.

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