Rangers looking forward on draft day

NEW YORK, NY – In terms of the Rangers first-round pick, its importance has been magnified following the Tim Erixon trade which saw both of the Blueshirts’ second-round selections traded to the Calgary Flames. With those second-round picks the Rangers had options; trading up, trading down for additional depth. Now, it’s a two-horse race between standing pat and perhaps trading down a few spots in order to acquire a second-round pick.
With the summer promising much movement – Chris Drury, the Rangers captain, will be bought out according to the NY Daily News‘ Jesse Spector, while the futures of Wojtek Wolski and Sean Avery remain uncertain – it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Blueshirts trade for picks on draft day. Brad Richards remains the expected target for the Rangers, though recent reports have indicated he may be out of reach on July 1^st if the price becomes too steep.

One area the Rangers needn’t concern themselves with in terms of a draft selection is in goal. Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Biron proved strong as a tandem last year before Biron suffered an unfortunate season-ending injury that saw Lundqvist start all of the Rangers final 28 games in the regular season and playoffs. Biron returns next year as one of the league’s better back-ups to support Lundqvist, one of the league’s finest goaltenders.
Defensively the Rangers have assembled an extremely strong (young) core led by Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Michael Sauer and Ryan McDonagh. McDonagh and Sauer formed a formidable second-pairing unit last season and though Sauer hits restricted free-agency this summer it’s tough to imagine a scenario whereby the Blueshirts don’t re-sign him. McDonagh and Sauer turned heads last season, posting a respective +16 and +20 rating while enforcing a strong physical presence on opposing forwards in front of Lundqvist.
The Blueshirts’ third-pairing will be the subject of much debate over the summer. Matt Gilroy and Steve Eminger may not be re-signed, while Erixon’s arrival as a supposedly NHL-ready prospect from Calgary could put paid to either in terms of next season’s roster. Michael Del Zotto, the Rangers only legitimate puck-moving defenseman will have a say as he looks to work his way back into the fold following a disappointing sophomore season, as will Pavel Valentenko after a strong season for the Connecticut Whale in the AHL.
It’s tough to predict which 12 forwards will start the Rangers opening game of the 2011/12 season against the Los Angeles Kings in Stockholm on October 7^th. Prospects Carl Hagelin and Christian Thomas will look to push for spots on the third line, while the futures of veteran free-agents Ruslan Fedotenko and Vinny Prospal remain uncertain. It’s believed that the Rangers will look to address the first-line center spot, Brad Richards or otherwise, with a trade likely to cost significant assets. Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky are both restricted free-agents, though nary an eyelid should be batted over their futures on the roster.
Last season the Rangers went for need with the 10^th overall selection in the first-round, selecting 6”5’, 215 pound defenseman Dylan McIlrath from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. Given their defensive depth and strength in goal, it would be a surprise if the Blueshirts looked anywhere other than forward this year, with Prince Albert Raiders’ center Mark McNeill the standout option in PHN’s mock draft.
McNeill, a 6”2’, 210lb forward that combines an elevated awareness of the game with a lofty offensive ceiling, posted 81 points in 70 games last season, adding two goals and three assists in six playoff games. He’s regarded as being strong in both ends of the ice and has looked to mold his game to that of Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf. The Rangers could do with a power forward or five, making McNeill a wise choice ahead of other equally gifted options.
“With the 15^th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers select, from the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League, Mark McNeill.”
To learn more about Mark McNeill click here .
Contact the author at alex.nunn@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com