New York, NY (Sports Network) - In need of depth on the blueline, the New York Rangers claimed veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik off waivers from the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.
The addition of Hamrlik comes one day after the Rangers possibly lost defenseman Marc Staal for an undetermined length of time after he was struck near his right eye by a puck during Tuesday's 4-2 win over Philadelphia.
Hamrlik, the NHL's active leader in games played (1,383), had been a healthy scratch by the Caps for the majority of this season and was placed on waivers by the club on Tuesday. The 38-year-old collected two goals and 11 assists over 68 outings with Washington in 2011-12.
The No. 1 overall selection of the 1992 NHL Draft, Hamrlik has compiled 155 goals, 638 points and 1,402 penalty minutes over a combined 20 seasons with Tampa Bay, Edmonton, the New York Islanders, Calgary, Montreal and Washington. The Czech native also owns 111 career games of postseason experience.
The Rangers have yet to provide an update on Staal's status. The team will next be in action Thursday against the rival Islanders.
