First of all, happy and a safe 4th of July.

The Rangers continued their string of minor moves on Thursday, placing Aaron Asham and Darroll Powe on waivers, hoping to clear $2 million in cap room prior to the official start of the silly season, known as NHL free agency Friday.

Asham signed a two-year deal as a free agent last July. He was limited by injuries to 27 games, but I thought he was fairly effective when he was in lineup, including in the playoffs. Asham was scratched the last two games against Boston, when a physical presence could have helped. He has one year and $1 million left on his deal.

Powe, who came over from Minnesota for Michael Rupp, was used a fourth line center and on the PK. In addition, he was used as a face off man in the defensive zone, Powe had one year at $1,066,667 remaining on his contract.

If Asham and Powe are claimed by another team, the Blueshirts would have about $15 million to re-sign restricted free agents Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin and Mats Zuccarello, lock up Lundqvist and to test the free-agent waters.

I have two issues with this deal. First, as Pat Leonard points out, if Asham and Powe depart – and assuming Stepan, Hagelin and Zuccarello all re-sign – the Rangers would have just 12 forwards on the roster going into free agency. With Ryan Callahan and Hagelin questionable to start the season, the depth we all have been clamoring for will be even more of a pipe dream, unless the Rangers RFAs come cheaper than expected. Though with the rumors of what Lundqvist will want, that's even more of an unlikely possibility. It also means that Danny Kristo, who came over for Christian Thomas, will get more of a look see in the camp and have a realistic shot at making the team.

Second, with the style used by AV in terms of zone play and matching up face off men by zone, why get rid of a player who is not making that much more than the minimum to grab someone else? Powe seemed to be a good fit for the defensive zone face off man; a role now that will have to be filled by Brian Boyle. If they can land Matt Hendricks, then I will better understand the moves, if not, then you still are short depth, which if you add it, will likely cost you what Asham or Powe did.

The silly season starts officially tomorrow, these moves don't mean the Rangers will be shopping at Tiffany's, more like the bargain section at Costco.

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