NY Rangers 2018 Draft Preview – 2nd Round

Depending on what Jeff Gorton does in the first round of the Draft, the New York Rangers are set to make two selections in the 2nd round (# 39 and # 48). I would not be surprised to see Gorton move one, or even both, of the picks in an attempt to move up in the first round. He might even look to move a 2018 pick for a 2019 pick in an attempt to continue to stockpile draft picks.

Gorton has mentioned that it is difficult to have a team full of 18-year-olds and he is right on two accounts. At some point you need some older players to help lead the way in the NHL – even if they are in their mid-20s.

The second reason is probably even more important. While it is great to have a bumper crop of prospects hits the NHL at the same time, it causes logistical problems in terms of having too many players having their contracts up at the same time. Eventually down the line you will run into salary cap issues.

Looking ahead to possible draft pick targets, they are a couple of players profiled in my late first round article that may very well slide to the second round: Alexander Alexeyev, Martin Kaut, Kiril Marchenko, and Sampo Ranta.

Let’s take a look at six other players who could factor into the Rangers’ plans in the second round.

JACOB BERNARD-DOCKER

CS: 33 NA – ISS: # 25 (Mike Matheson) – THN: # 39 (Jake Muzzin)

The 6-1/172 defenseman gets compared to Johnny Tychonick because both starred in the same Junior A league and both will attend the University of North Dakota and have been paired together on various Junior tournament teams.

The right-handed shot is the steadier of the two future UND d-men. “He’s well-rounded, reliable in his own end, plays physical and is a great skater,” a scout said to THN. “He was cleaning up Tychonick’s rushes at the [World Jr. A Challenge]. He’s more polished – I would have him out in the last minute of a game.”

ISS Scouting Report: “Bernard-Docker started the season as an average NHL prospect, but as the season progressed, he proved himself to be among the best prospects this season.” ISS sees him as a “two-way defenseman with high end skating and hockey IQ.”

JACK DRURY

CS: # 27 NA – ISS: # 41 (N/A) – THN: # 48 (Antoine Vermette)

I am not sure how being the nephew of Rangers Assistant GM Chris Drury affects his draft status with the team. The 5-11/179 Center will follow in his father Ted’s footsteps and play at Harvard. He played last year in the USHL and led Waterloo in scoring with 24 goals and 41 assist in 56 games and posted a USHL record 23-game point scoring streak.

A scout told THN, “He competes and does all the little things right. He’s not an elite skater at all, but he’s a warrior. The puck follows him and he’s got some touch.”

ISS Scout Chris Mooring: “Smart, skilled and competitive two-way center. Player who likes to carry [the puck] and create offense but works just as hard in the defensive zone. Very good one-on-one ability showed both playmaking ability and hands in tight. Player to watch.”

ALBIN ERIKSSON

CS: # 22 E – ISS: # 81 (N/A) – THN: # 56 (Anders Lee)

The Swedish LW has one thing you can’t teach: size (6-4/205). He split last season with Skelleftea’s Junior (22-18-40 in 38 games) and Elite League (1 assist in 17 games) teams. He is not a bad skater, but the consensus is he needs to get quicker, improve his play in the defensive zone and just continue to develop his during the next couple of seasons in Sweden.

“He’s one of those guys you hope you can get later but could end up being a pretty good player,” a scout relayed to THN. If he goes earlier, you’re banking on him realizing that raw potential.”

ISS Scout Joakim Eriksson: “Big winger who combines size and skill. A strong skater who possesses a dangerous shot and a goal-scoring instinct. Likes to position himself in the slot, ready to hammer the puck. Projecting top six goal-scoring winger at the next level with improvement.”

DANILA GALENYUK

CS: # 23 E – ISS: # 40 (N/A) – THN: # Not Rated in Top 100

The 6-1/200 Galenyuk is a defensive defenseman who played most of the year in the Russian Jr. League/Under-18 team, but he saw action on three KHL regular season games as well as a pair of playoff games.

While he is a defensive d-man, he is a good skater and has the skills/ability to move the puck out of his zone. ISS sees him as a potential “2nd pairing defenseman”.

ISS Scouting Report: “Danila is a tough to play against two-way defenceman. He logs big minutes for his team and plays in every situation…. Hard to beat defensively [as] he takes the body well and he has a good understanding of his position.”

FILIP JOHANSSON

CS: # 10 E- ISS: # 39 (N/A) – THN: # 38 (Michael Matheson)

THN called the 6-1/187 right-handed shooting blueliner an “under-the-radar guy who does a lot of things right”. It is understandable that he gets overlooked when you have fellow Swedes Rasmus Dahlin and Adam Boqvist in your draft.

“I like him a lot,” a scout said to THN. “He’s a very reliable defenseman, steady on and off the puck and he has a good one-timer. At the Five Nations [Tournament], he was more of a PK guy and someone they could play in late game situations.”

ISS Scouting Director Dennis McInnis: “Mobile d-man plays with good poise and patience. Good puck movement – quick, on the tape consistently. Sees the ice very well. He will join the rush and activate from the point. Defensively, he reads the play very well, uses a good stick and has good position.”

JAKE WISE

CS: # 38 NA – ISS: # 45 (N/A) – THN: # 89 (N/A)

The 5-10/190 Center broke his collarbone early in the season and was out until late December – missing 3 ½ months. There is a Rangers connection to Wise because David Quinn recruited him to play at B.U. where Wise will reunite with his USNTDP linemate Joel Farabee.

THN described Wise as a “Reilly Smith-type pivot” with a “high [hockey] IQ, sturdy frame.”

USNTDP Director of Operations Scott Monaghan told Corey Pronman of The Athletic, “Whoever takes Jake Wise, wherever they take him, is not going to regret drafting him because with his work ethic and his character he’s going to maximize whatever he has. They’re going to be happy two, three, four years down the line.”

ISS Scout Tim Zeches: “smaller playmaking center with upside. Good skater with speed and quick bursts. Has good mobility and agility. Great vision on the offensive zone. Creates passing lanes with speed or patience along perimeter. Supports well down low in the defensive zone. Competes hard, but size/strength is a concern, but a lot of talent there.”

When I was putting together this list, I did a shadow mock draft of the 2nd round and Martin Kaut and Kiril Marchenko went before the Rangers selections in that round. With the 39th pick, I had the Blueshirts drafting Alexander Alexeyev after picking three forwards in the 1st round.

I chose Alexeyev over the other d-men listed because I see him as a potential late 1st round selection so he is a real value pick at # 39.

If the Rangers were to draft a goal scorer like Oliver Wahlstrom in the 1st round, I would give serious consideration to drafting Jake Wise at #39 because of the center’s playmaking ability.

If Alexeyev were not available, I would probably draft Danila Galenyuk or Jacob Bernard-Docker if Galenyuk were not around.

With the 48th pick, I had the Rangers drafting Albin Eriksson – with Bernard-Docker and Wise going before the Rangers pick. Interestingly enough, I had both of those players going to the New York Islanders (41st and 43rd).

I would love to see the Rangers select Eriksson in the third round because that would a great value pick. However, I don’t know if he would last that long. I know he it is a bit of reach at this spot in the Draft, but with the Rangers having seven picks of the first 88 selections there is some leeway to reach for a player later in the 2nd round.

I am not sure if the Rangers will draft Jack Drury with Uncle Chris working for the front office. My take is that if he is the next best player available, then you draft him. I would love to take him in the 3rd round, but I do not think he lasts that long.

NY Rangers 2018 Draft Preview – 3rd Round

The New York Rangers work on Day 2 of the 2018 NHL Draft doesn’t see any rest for the weary as the team will again be called upon to make multiple picks in the 3^rd round.  Barring any trades, the Blueshirts are scheduled to make the 70^th and 88^th selections.

If any of my 2^nd round projections are still around come the 3^rd round, then they would be given precedence as potential selections.  In addition, here are six players that I would consider for one of the two Rangers 3^rd round picks.

KODY CLARK

CS: # 34 NA – ISS: # 71 (N/A) – THN: # Not Rated in Top 100

The 6-1/180 RW is the son of former NHLer Wendel Clark.  In Kody’s case, the apple did not fall far from the tree.  Clark is like his father in terms of being a hard-nosed and physical player.  He doesn’t have Wendel’s offensive abilities, but Kody can slot in as a bottom six forward who will bring a physical presence to the lineup.

ISS Scouting Report: “He was able to produce off the cycle and created a lot of havoc on the forecheck.”

ISS Scout Ben Gallant: Dangerous offensively, plays on the second power plan unit and gets limited PK time.  Quick feet.  Plays with an edge and willing to get involved physically.  Gets good body positioning with ability to shake off checks along the walls.  Good physical tools and wins one-on-one battles.  Projects as an energy forward with some goal scoring upside.”

TY EMBERSON

CS: # 42 NA – ISS: # 57 (N/A) – THN: # Not Rated in Top 100

After spending the last two years with the USNTDP, the right-handed shooting d-man has committed Tony Granato and the University of Wisconsin where he will be reunited with K’Andre Miller.

ISS Scouting Report: “Steady two-way defenseman with a high compete level.  Plays with some physicality, blocks shots, and is always battling in the corners and in front of the net.”

ISS Scout Scott Bell: “Smooth skating defenseman who thinks defense first.  Really good skater with good edges.  Smart positionally in his own end, and plays with very good gap control.  Makes smart reads on breakouts and his first pass was on the tape all the time.  Has some good puck skills and the ability to skate the puck but was used more in a shutdown role.”

JARED MOE

CS: # 10 NA Goalie – ISS: # Not Rated in Top 10 – THN: # 82 (N/A)

The 6-3/205 goalie has committed to the University of Minnesota for 2019/20.  He was draft-eligible last year and was # 26 among CS North American goalies.  The undrafted Moe posted a 23-6-1 record for Waterloo (USHL) and was 4th in GAA (2.23) and 7th in SV% (.919) while splitting the duties with Philadelphia’s 2017 3^rd round pick Matej Tomek.  Moe was 4-2 in the playoffs with a 1.81 GAA and a .933 SV%.

Moe, a teammate at Waterloo of Jack Drury, is a big and athletic goaltender with a good glove.

THN wrote, “USHL rookie passed over last year.  His focus, athleticism tough to ignore.”

NIKLAS NORDGREN

CS: # 21 E – ISS: # 62 (N/A) – THN: # 93 (N/A)

The 5-9/170 RW electrified the WJC for Finland by leading all players in goals with 8 to go along with 2 assists in 7 games.  In 28games in the Finnish Jr. League, he scored 13 goals and 29 assists in 28 games and averaged a point a game (6-4-10) in the playoffs.  He also tallied 3 assists in 15 games in the Liiga in Finland.

THN wrote, “World Under-18s hero is small and skilled but goes to the physical areas.”

ISS Scouting Report: “An offensive forward with average size who generates offense whenever he is on the ice…. Despite his lack of size, plays a feisty game and is willing to go into corners and in front of the net.”

ISS Director of Scouting Dennis McInnis: “Really versatile, deceptively skilled, and he plays with grit.  Stocky, hard working two-way kid with below average size with good skills and speed.  Played on the first PP/PK unit – takes away shooting lanes.  Like this kid’s passion and compete level.”

ALEC REGULA

CS: # 72 NA – ISS: # 61 (N/A) – THN: # 87 (N/A)

CS and ISS have the right-handed shooting defenseman listed at 6-3/201 while THN lists him at 6-2/161.  Since all THN wrote about Regula is “Moved up the lineup.  Great range and movement.  Not flashy but steady”, I think I will go with CS and ISS on this one.

ISS Scouting Report: “Regula plays a safe game, doesn’t take many chances or make many mistakes.  This is due to his high hockey IQ, thinks the game well and is smart enough to put pucks in safe places for his [teammates].”

ISS Scout Ben Gallant: “Good size, two-way defenseman with good offensive tools.  Good net front and board battles…. Projects as second pair NHL defenseman than can contribute on both special teams’ units.”

CHASE WOUTERS

CS: # 92 NA – ISS #: 60 (N/A) – THN: # Not Rated in Top 100

The 6-0/177 Center more than doubled his point production from his first full year in the WHL (6-15-21) to last season (18-33-51).  Part of the improvement was playing in 18 more games and part of it was from maturation as a player.

ISS Scout Brent Parker: “Games doesn’t change much from night to night – smart dependable, hard working, honest player – very good penalty killer who has become good on faceoffs.  Character guy who I would take on my team any day and will likely be the [Saskatoon] Blades captain next season.”

ISS Scout Mark Sauer: “Tenacious player who brings it every shift and wins pucks.  Plays a full 200-foot game and is effective at both ends of the ice.  Great on both the PP and PK.  Absolutely love this player’s game, reminds me of Patrice Bergeron.”

The Rangers have made a point that they are looking for players and will tend to go with idea of drafting the best player available as opposed to drafting for need.  When you start getting later in the draft, you also start looking for best bang for the buck as well.  If you are able to address a need at this point of the Draft, that is a bonus.

I was trying to concentrate on wingers because of the depth at center, but some of the players I looked at (e.g. Vladislav Kotkov) didn’t have that “wow” factor – or as much of a “wow” factor a 3^rd round pick can have.

However, there is one player among my 3^rd rounders that caught my eye and is easily slots in with the 70^th pic – Niklas Nordgren.  As I was reading his scouting report all I could think of was a little bigger and faster version of Mats Zuccarello.  Given that Zucc is on the last year of his deal and was/is rumored to be on the trading block, it makes sense to draft the 2018 version.

The second pick of the 3^rd round required a little more thinking.  I am intrigued with what Chase Wouters could bring to the team.  He is one of those character guys the Rangers want, but he plays a position that is deep with talented prospects.  Still, he could be the answer as a fourth-line center.

Kody Clark brings the grit and jam the Rangers need and could also bring some offensive skills to the fourth line.

The two d-men I listed would add nice depth to a position that received a much needed injection at the trade deadline.

In the end, I decided that my second 3^rd round pick would be goalie Jared Moe.  I know this might seem surprising given the numbers game, but as the Vegas Golden Knights showed this year – you can never have enough goaltending.

In a perfect world, I would draft Moe in the fourth or fifth round so that I could get the best bang for the buck in terms of draft value.  However, I am not sure he would be available at that point.

While the Rangers have numbers in the system, the organization depth might not be as strong as we hoped.  Both Adam Huska and Tyler Wall struggled last year so their prospect status takes a bit of a hit.  We are still at least another year or so before Igor Shesterkin leaves the KHL – assuming he doesn’t sign a contract extension.

Alexander Georgiev played well last year, but is remains to be seen how his development continues – plus he could be gone once Seattle joins the NHL.

Moe is still a year removed from starting his collegiate career.  If he stays all four years then you are looking at least five years down the road before he factors in the Rangers picture.

The best case scenario is that Shesterkin is Henrik Lundqvist 2.0 and Moe could spend a year or two in the AHL before stepping up to the NHL.  Worst case scenario, the Rangers goaltending situation is a little cloudy and they have to entice Moe to leave college early.

NY Rangers 2018 Draft Preview – Rounds 4 Thru 6

Looking ahead to the New York Rangers 4th (#101), 5th (#132) and 6th (#163) round draft picks and figuring who they might draft is like trying to herd a clowder of cats. Despite the folly and potential utter futility of the idea, I have some up with a list of six players to keep an eye out as the Rangers fill out the bottom of their 2018 NHL Draft.

Look at this way, I have to justify spending money on all of my draft research .

SLAVA DEMIN

CS: # 40 NA- ISS: # 98 (N/A) – THN: # 55 (Ben Lovejoy)

The 6-1/187 California-born defenseman played Jr. A hockey in British Columbia and has committed to the University of Denver.

One scout told THN, “I think he is one of those all-arounders. I don’t think he excels in any area, but there’s no deficiencies in his game…. When you put it all together, a lot of slightly above average tools, they make a better player. I look at him as a potential fourth defenseman.”

ISS Scout Milan Dragicevic: “…. Has a good shot and got it through most times. Has good vision with the puck and solid hockey sense. Understands the game and plays within his means…. He has big upside due to his puck skills, hockey sense and skating ability.”

CURTIS HALL

CS: # 60 NA – ISS: # 79 (N/A) – THN: 97 (N/A)

The 6-3/197 Center spent last season in the USHL with Youngstown (13 goals and 18 assists in 54 games) and has committed to Yale University.

ISS Scouting Report: “Hall is a power forward that plays a tough and gritty game which makes him very hard to play against and allows him to create space for his linemates. A solid two-way performer with decent speed, good puck skills and work ethic.”

ISS Scout Tim Zeches: “Strong defensive forward. High compete level. Battles in corners, constantly backchecking, finishing checks and blocking shots…. Could be a strong shut-down center in the NHL, but needs offensive skills to improve.”

LENNI KILLINEN

CS: # 36 E – ISS: # 94 (N/A) – THN: Not Rated in Top 100

The 6-2/180 LW had a disappointing U-18 Tournament as he was held pointless in seven games. He played in the Finnish Second Division and held his own against men (2 goals and 2 assists in 10 games). He spent most of his time in the Finnish Jr, A League (13 goals and 28 assists in 38 games).

ISS Scouting Report: “Killinen is a playmaking winger that rarely stops moving his feet and putting pressure on the opposition…. He is used in every situation and thrives on the power play. He competes hard for pucks in all three zones and won’t shy away from anyone.”

ISS Scout Rafik Soliman: “Two-way forward with very good size. Willing to go into corners and in front of the net…. Possesses a very good shot. Size and skating make him an interesting prospect who will be a solid player in the NHL.

JACOB PIVONKA

CS: # 105 NA – ISS: # 96 (N/A) – THN: #99 (N/A)

The 6-0/196 center is the son of former NHL player Michal Pivonka. Pivonka spent the last two seasons playing with the USNTDP and has committed to the University of Notre Dame.

ISS Scouting Report: “Pivonka is a complete 200-foot player that is consistent and reliable…. He plays hard in all three zones and rarely takes any short cuts. He is the type of player that coaches like to have on the bench because he can play up and down the lineup.”

ISS Director of Scouting Dennis McInnis: “Really versatile, deceptively skilled, and plays with a certain amount of grit. Stocky, hard working, two-way kid with average size with good skills and speed. Played on first PK unit – takes away shooting lanes…. Projects as 3rd line energy player who is reliable defensively and chips in points.”

KRISTIAN REICHEL

CS: # 53 NA – ISS: # 95 (N/A) – THN: Not Rated Top 100

The 6-1/168 Center is hoping that the third time is the charm for him after being bypassed in the 2016 and 2017 NHL Drafts. The son of former NHLer Robert Reichel left the Czech Republic to play Junior hockey in Red Deer (WHL). In 63 games, he scored 34 goals and 23 assists.

ISS Scouting Report: “Good vision with the puck and gets his passes on the tape consistently. Deceptively quick skater and finds space out there…. Needs to get a bit stronger, as he can get knocked off the puck easily at times. Can be a little inconsistent at times. This later bloomer could be an intriguing prospect for NHL teams this summer.

ISS Scout Mark Sauer: “Smart forward with good hockey IQ, and really good work ethic. Very effective in the faceoff circle and made good adjustments. The puck seems to find him in the offensive zone and gets himself and the puck to the net, not great defensively, but he does block shots well. Really like the upside on this player and see him having pro potential down the road.”

JOEY KEANE

CS: # 111 NA – ISS: # 125 (N/A) – THN: # 88 (N/A)

The 6-0/185 defenseman can empathize with Kristian Reichel because Keane was also bypassed in the 2017 NHL Draft. Keane saw his numbers dramatically improve in his second year with Barrie (OHL). After scoring 1 goal and 18 assists in 67 games in his rookie season, he followed up with 12 goals and 32 assists in 62 games last season.

THN wrote, “Passed over before; played a ton this year. Good skater and true athlete.” In a November 17, 2017 online article about draft-eligible overagers, THN wrote “…. He’s quick, he’s improved his defensive play and he doesn’t lose many puck battles. What’s not to like?

ISS listed Keane as one their “Wildcards & Sleepers” to watch in the 2018 Draft. They wrote, “One of the OHL’s most improved players this season. He was passed over in last year’s draft, but has established himself as a legitimate NHL prospect this season. He possesses a great ability to move the puck up the ice and generate offensive chances.”

At this point in the Draft you are really trying to look into the future to see which players project to have the best chance to contribute. While you would like all of your draft picks to be NHL stars, you settle for players who can contribute to your organization – whether it is as fourth-line players or as developmental players for your AHL affiliate. After all, you would rather have players whose hockey future is in front of them as opposed to veterans whose futures are behind them.

For the best bang for the buck, I would look to draft Lenni Killinen, Joey Keane and Kristian Reichel.

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