Rangers Claim Bell Off Waivers from Maple Leafs

The New York Rangers announced on Wednesday that they have claimed center Mark Bell off re-entry waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bell was placed on waivers by Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke in an attempt to give the forward another shot at getting back to the NHL. Bell was acquired along with Vesa Toskala in 2007, and afterward, served a month-long suspension and entered stage two of the NHL's substance abuse program after a drunk driving arrest in 2006 in California. Since then, Bell has been playing with the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate in Toronto and has not seen any NHL action since the 2007-08 season. In 445 career games, Bell has 87 goals and 95 assists for 182 points with the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, and Toronto Maple Leafs. This move by the Rangers should pretty much kill any speculation of the team claiming Sean Avery off re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars. Bell plays with a gritty style and has the potential to score goals and will not be a cancer to the team like Avery. Plus, the Rangers are close to the salary cap and would have to cut salary in order to bring Avery back to the team. With the Rangers currently in a free fall in the Eastern Conference and in danger of missing the playoffs, the last thing they need is a distraction like Avery.