Several sources have told me today that the biggest impetus behind the Rangers trade of Erik Christensen to Minnesota for minor league center Casey Wellman is to open up roster space for another acquisition. Rumors are rampant that Ryan Smyth is New York's most immediate target but I am hearing there are several other possibilities as well.

The Rangers decision to send Wojtek Wolski (along with defenseman Jeff Woywitka) to Hartford on a conditioning assignment also buys some extra roster assessment time for Glen Sather. It is not a lock that Wolski will return to the big club.

Over in Detroit, interest has picked up greatly in Curtis Sanford. Although Jimmy Howard's broken finger should only keep him out a few games, it underlines the team's need for another viable option should Howard go down in playoffs.

Much more to come later....

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