The Rangers are attempting to create maneuverability within the organization and under the cap as the April 3 trade deadline approaches, but the ninth-place Blueshirts may have to maneuver with their lineup for tonight’s match at the Garden against the 10th-place Capitals, whom they lead by three points.

For after losing Jeff Halpern on a claim by the Canadiens while also placing Stu Bickel on waivers yesterday at noon, the Rangers may have to go without J.T. Miller, who is questionable because of a left wrist issue that developed during Thursday’s defeat to the Panthers.

Miller did not practice yesterday, leaving the ice after attempting to shoot and stickhandle before the team began its work. Kris Newbury was summoned from the AHL Whale, presumably to take Miller’s spot if the rookie can’t go.

“It’s day to day; I’ll see [how it is] in the morning,” said Miller, who obviously hadn’t read the memo about remaining mum regarding injuries. “I tried shooting, but when I put pressure on my stick it’s like the [left wrist] tendons are really loose and it’s tough to shoot.

“It’s just pretty swollen. When I go to shoot and put pressure on my bottom hand, I can feel it pop in and out, so I just have to wait and see.”

The Post was told Jesper Fast was still dealing with the Swedish bureaucracy yesterday in attempting to gain permission to join the Rangers rather than commit to Team Sweden for the World Championship Tournament that will be played in Stockholm and Helsinki beginning May 3.

A source familiar with the situation said it was likely the 21-year-old winger, who signed an Entry Level contract last May, would join the Blueshirts at some point this week.

At the same time, The Post was told the Rangers are preparing to make an offer to restricted free agent winger Mats Zuccarello, who has one year remaining on his KHL contract with Magnitogorsk, but has an out-clause that would allow him to return to the NHL.

It remains to be seen whether the offer will be lucrative enough to entice Zuccarello, who will only consider a one-way deal after spending most of his two years in North America in the AHL.

Montreal’s claim of Halpern leaves the Rangers with 48 contracts in the organization, two under the maximum. That number would be reduced to 47 if Bickel, who averaged just 5:31 in 16 games while a scratch in 14 overall and the last seven straight, is also claimed.

Arron Asham, meanwhile, pronounced himself good to go after having been sidelined for 15 straight with lower back issues.

“I realize it’s the coach’s decision but I’m itching to get back at it; it’s been a long time,” said Asham, who hasn’t played since Feb. 19. “I want to get in and be a presence, be good on the forecheck and play some smart hockey.

“Every game is like a playoff game for us now. Hopefully I can add some life.”

* The Rangers went through a double-session yesterday, devoting the second portion of practice to the power play. Derek Stepan, who worked the point intermittently last year but hadn’t been at the top this season, teamed with Michael Del Zotto on the blue line with Brad Richards, Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan up front on the first unit.

Dan Girardi and Anton Stralman worked the points on the second unit with Marian Gaborik, Carl Hagelin and Chris Kreider the forwards.