Rangers first NHL draft pick must have impact as team replenishes
The Rangers are set to make more than one pick during Day 1 of the NHL draft Friday for the first time since they won the lottery in 2020. With 11 total selections over the next two days, the Blueshirts interviewed upwards of 70 players at the NHL combine earlier this month for what could be the organization’s largest draft class in more than two decades. Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mollie Walker about the inside buzz on the Rangers.Fifth overall was the lowest the Rangers could’ve drawn in this year’s draft lottery after finishing tied for the third-worst points percentage in the NHL.
Replenishing their prospect cupboard must be a priority in this retool.The first pick they make should be of consequence next season. Chase Reid impressed many teams in more ways than one, including the Rangers.
One source compared the Michigan State commit’s personality and demeanor to Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick last year by the Islanders who captured the hearts of all hockey fans on and off the ice. If Reid falls to No.5, the Rangers will likely pounce, but there is no guarantee he will still be available at that point. While some predict the Canucks will take Caleb Malhotra at No.
3, having his father, Manny, serve as head coach may be more of a deterrent than an incentive.Still, most projections have Malhotra going within the first four selections. Even if Malhotra is available for the Rangers, word is they are higher on other players. The more likely skaters to still be options at No.
5 are a trio of defensemen: Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels and Alberts Smits.Scouts say the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Smits is one of the most NHL-ready blueliners available in the draft, which should be enticing to the Rangers. Verhoeff was the youngest defenseman in college hockey this past season and turned 18 just last week, but the righty shot is lauded for his presence and quiet confidence.
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