According to reports today by Sam Weiman of the Journal News, the Rangers have claimed center Jason Krog off of waivers from the Atlanta Thrashers.  The 31 year old forward signed as a free agent with the New York Islanders in 1999 and has played in 189 NHL games, scoring 19 goals and registering 37 assists.

The former UNH star has split the season between the NHL and AHL, and has a record 1 goal and 3 assists in 14 games with the Thrashers this season.  The Rangers will be his fourth NHL franchise since leaving the NCAA, and it appears likely that the Rangers will keep him on their roster initially, as placing him back on waivers would allow Atlanta to claim him back and assign him to the AHL.

What Krog’s ultimate role will be on the roster, and who he might replace is still at question at this point.  It appears the Rangers may simply be looking to provide another option for the fourth line center position, allowing Jason Ward to shift back to the right wing and play on either the third or fourth line.  The move seems as if may affect Adam Hall’s chances of remaining in the line-up the most, though Marcel Hossa and Ryan Hollweg may also be candidates depending on decisions by the coaching staff.