Here's an interesting development: On the same day the Rangers claimed Sean Avery on re-entry waivers, about 10 other roster players have been waived in an effort to free up salaries or dump players no longer wanted.

Players currently on waivers:

Miroslav Satan, Brendan Morrison, Aaron Voros, Eric Perrin, Gary Roberts, Martin Gerber, Erik Reitz, Jon Sim and Craig Adams.

TSN is also reporting that the Flames have claimed defenceman Lawrence Nycholat off waivers from the Canucks. "Nycholat is a similar type player to Mark Giordano," said Flames GM Darryl Sutter. "We were prepared to give up a draft pick to acquire a depth defenceman."

My guess is a  couple of these players are claimed in the next 24 hours. Why not add an asset for nothing in what will be a fierce sellers' market?

That Pittsburgh is doing some dumping gives you an idea that they're trying to free up payroll for an addition. The Rangers are creating room for Avery's contract, but the Penguins could free up room for another $3.5-million player if they can get rid of Satan's deal.