NEW YORK - Mark Bell is headed back to the American Hockey League.

The New York Rangers have assigned the 28-year-old forward to Hartford. Bell was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs last Wednesday and didn't appear in a game for the Rangers.

Bell appeared in 56 games for the AHL's Toronto Marlies this season.

The former first-round draft pick has played 445 career NHL games with Chicago, San Jose and Toronto. He has 87 goals and 182 points.