UPDATE: The Rangers have assigned Stu Bickel to the CT Whale (2:32 p.m.)

EARLIER: In desperate need of a defenseman, the Rangers finally found a veteran that piqued their interest and claimed Jeff Woywitka off waivers today.

Woywitka, 28, signed with the Montreal Canadiens in August but was unable to crack their NHL roster ahead of Alexei Yemelin this fall.

He had played the last two years for the Dallas Stars and posted two goals and nine assists in 63 games last season.  Woywitka was also a plus-five.

Woywitka , 6-3, 227 lbs., has performed well in spot duty in the past and thrived in that role for Dallas early last year, but when Woywitka has been thrust into full-time duty or given more responsibility he has struggled.

The hope in New York is that Woywitka will be a solid short-term fix until Marc Staal returns to the lineup. 

Woywitka was originally a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2001 and is perhaps best known for being part of the deal that brought Chris Pronger to the Edmonton Oilers in 2005. 

He’ll probably be unable to join the Rangers in time for their season-opener tomorrow afternoon, but Woywitka is scheduled to arrive in Stockholm on Friday.

Woywitka isn't likely to play this weekend, but he could replace Tim Erixon in New York’s lineup next week when the team returns to North America. 

The Rangers will likely assign one of Stu Bickel or Brendan Bell to the CT Whale in the wake of this move. 

Woywitka’s cap hit is a very affordable $650,000

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2011-2012 season preview:

Eastern Conference Preview > (10/3/11)

Western Conference Preview > (10/4/11)

Experts Predict Where The Rangers Will Finish > (10/5/11)

NY Rangers Season Preview > (10/5/11)

Rangers Claim Jeff Woywitka Off Waivers > (10/6/11) 

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