Rookies Lindberg, McIlrath make Rangers 23-man roster, Diaz, Megna waived

The New York Rangers have waived defenceman Raphael Diaz and forward Jayson Megna in reducing their roster to 23 players.

The team announced the moves on their website Friday.

The decisions mean that rookies Oscar Lindberg and Dylan McIlrath will be on the Rangers' opening night roster next week in Chicago.

Lindberg had two goals and two assists in the preseason. The 23-year-old Swedish centre had 28 goals and 28 assists at Hartford of the AHL last season.

McIlrath, the team's first-round draft pick in 2010, beat out Diaz for the seventh defenceman. The Winnipeg native had six goals, 11 assists and 165 minutes in penalties at Hartford last season.