The Rangers cut down to seven defensemen yesterday by assigning Brendan Bell to the AHL Whale.

That means that rookie Tim Erixon, who played in both games in Stockholm this weekend, remains with the team.

Jeff Woywitka, who was claimed on waivers Thursday, will participate in his first full practice with the team today.

The Rangers, who returned to New York early yesterday morning from Scandinavia following an overtime loss to the Kings and a shootout loss to the Ducks, don’t play until Saturday, when they face the Islanders at the Coliseum.

larry.brooks@nypost.com