It's likely a function of needing to keep as much cap space available in order to sign first- and second-line centers, with a bit of cost-for-value analysis added to the equation, but whatever the reason, the Rangers failed to qualify Karel Rachunek by yesterday's 5 p.m. deadline, thus making the third-pair defenseman an unrestricted free agent. It was an unusual move for GM Glen Sather, who generally likes to keep as many assets as possible under the organization's umbrella for use in trades. But after unsuccessfully trying to move Rachunek during Entry Draft proceedings in Columbus, the GM opted against extending him the necessary $1.8 million qualifier in order to retain his rights.