Right now, the New York Rangers are almost certain to know what they’re going to do with the first pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Maybe you said it a month ago.
So, with Alexis Lafrenyre in the fold as a possible sixth most sensible extreme, where do the Blueshirts go from here?
Of course, they will have to decide what to do at will and, in fact, they will explore the industry market, but when it comes to the draft, which will take place practically from October 6 to 7, they will first find out what to do with their moment. -Round selection is a top priority.
NHL DRAFT: Islanders game 7 wins Rangers choice
FREE AGENCY: Which players can Rangers target?
As the NHL playoffs qualify for the convention finals, the Rangers’ pick on the Brady Skjei deal is locked in at 22nd overall. I’ve talked a lot about my confidence that General Manager Jeff Gorton is willing to shop around for this selection against the existing list, but that doesn’t mean a trade is imminent.
If Rangers keep company and make the decision, which players can they target?
Over the past few weeks, I made calls to scouts, contacted draft experts, and examined each and every lead research and rating site you can find. That led me to the Rangers probably pointing to their greatest long-term desire: the center.
Rangers are not only thin in the middle, but it’s also a position that can provide some intriguing features at number 22.
Based on this research, I’ve compiled a list of 8 clients that I think Rangers can target, depending on how the draft went, grouped them into categories, some of whom were more likely to fall to 22nd position than others. Any of them may simply be lateral, but they have all reveled in the center with at least some explorers/experts who believe they can play at the highest level.
Seth Jarvis – Some have placed him in the most sensible place on the Rangers wish list, warning that he can sneak into the 12th most sensible and seamlessly enter the 15 most sensible. Winnipeg’s local final moment at the WHL last season with 98 (42 goals and 56 assists) for the Portland Winterhawks. He is known as a highly productive offensive player with a gift for make his way into areas of height risk scoring. This fearless technique and height motor skills lead many to be a committed advocate in the next level.
With speed, skill and enough courage, it’s hard to locate a lot of shots in Jarvis’s game. A fear for Rangers might be that some assign him more as a far right than as a center. And at five feet and 10 inches, 17 five pounds, it’s not exactly the ideal size.
Dawson Mercer: Another player who would be wonderful to see in 22nd place, the most experts who predict what will happen somewhere as a teenager. TSN’s Bob McKenzie ranked the Canadian 13th overall, of all the contenders discussed in this story.
Mercer has attributes similar to Jarvis – intelligent, skilled, hard-working, forged speed – and is also projected through some as a imaginable right wing. He is a little taller with 6 feet 180 pounds and has just finished a season in which he scored 60 points (24 goals and 36 assists) in 42 QMJHL games, he is able to play some highlights.
Mavrik Bourque – The Quebec local is an ascending player on many draft boards. In the past it was thought of as a first circular to the limit, but now some think it might have disappeared before the No. 22. Es a world-class IQ player, along with Cam Robinson, director of Elite Prospects Scouting, calling him “probably the most productive natural pin in the world. Scramble. “
Bourque had 71 problems (29 goals and 42 assists) in 49 QMJHL games last season with Shawinigan Falls. The 5-foot 10-foot, 178-pounder relies more on vision and anticipation than on skill and speed, with a competitive nature that goes hand in hand with an exciting ability to play.
Brendan Brisson – USHL rookie of the year has enrolled at the University of Michigan after a very productive season for Chicago Steel. The Los Angeles homeman appears to be a top target for rangers after scoring 59 points (24 goals and 35 assists). in forty-five games, who occupies the moment in the league. He is a hopeful medium that excels in numerical advantage, either as a finalist and with his ability to exercise his teammates.
The 5-foot 11-inch, 179-pounder is a forged skater who was inspired by the U-19 World Youth Championship with 12 problems in six games for Team USA. But it’s not the first time His father, Pat Brisson, who is a high-level NHL agent, is also noteworthy.
Dylan Holloway – There was a time when it seemed highly unlikely that Calgary’s venue would succeed at number 22.
Contrary to what was expected on this list, Holloway has a year of school hockey under his belt: He scored 17 points (eight goals and nine assists) in 35 games for the University of Wisconsin, where he played alongside newly signed K ‘Andre Miller. At six feet 203 pounds, Holloway’s combination of length and body rules him out as a tough forward and determined defender. His hockey IQ and ability to succeed at the net may put him in a position to make a contribution. within a year or two.
Ridly Greig – Alberta’s home produced the offense with 60 points (26 goals and 34 assists) in five WHL games last season for the Brandon Wheat Kings, but is best known for his merit and competitive fire. Five feet 11 inches, 163 pounds, Greig is in a position to mingle, play physical war games and shake war games.
It is projected as an intermediate among the last six, but some think there are more advantages. His profile NHL. com says, “excellent skill set and vision. “
Marat Khusnutdinov – Most of the central targets in this draft diversity appear to be American skaters, however Khusnutdinov is a European option. The Moskva, Russia venue would bring a hot two-way game, with the ability to move the disc inwards. trafficking and reputation as a guilty advocate.
In 44 games with youth team SKA St. Petersburg last season, Khusnutdinov produced 38 problems (13 goals and 25 assists). The 5-foot 11-inch, 176-pounder projects himself as a balanced player who will compete in every respect. of the game, some see his long-term career as a left winger.
Connor Zary: The Canadian epivot is probably the horniest player in this definitive group, with the possibility of being eliminated through the number 22. TSN he calls it a “Swiss knife”, underlining his “ability to contribute in all aspects”. “situations.
Production of 6 feet and 176 pounds was very clever in the WHL, with 86 problems (38 passes and 48 assists) in 57 games for the Kamloops Blazers last season. I was six days from being eligible for last year’s draft, which can be just a hit or a progression aid. Zary brings the kind of will to go to the net and protect what rangers are looking for.
Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the new York Rangers reporter for USA TODAY. To be more informed about your work, visit lohud. com/sports/rangers/ and stay with him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.