Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto, who earned a spot on last year’s NHL All-Rookie Team but has struggled thus far this year, has been demoted to the AHL Whale, The Post has learned.

The 20-year-old defenseman, who sat out four straight before returning to the Rangers’ lineup for Sunday’s 3-0 defeat in Florida, will be replaced on the blue line roster by 21-year-old freshman pro Ryan McDonagh, who has been promoted from Connecticut.

Del Zotto, who was named NHL Rookie of the Month as a 19-year-old in October 2009, has been cited for impatience and for repeatedly making the same mistakes by head coach John Tortorella, who has called the sophomore’s troubles and recent benchings as, “Part of the process.”

McDonagh, whose rights were acquired from the Canadiens in the Scott Gomez trade, signed this summer with the Rangers after completing his junior year at Wisconsin.

Whereas Del Zotto is a puck-mover, McDonagh is regarded as more of a throwback stay-at-home defenseman.

The Rangers, who have won two of their past six (2-2-2), meet the Hurricanes at the Garden on Wednesday.