The New York Rangers entered the 2025 NHL Draft with a clear mission: to replenish their prospect pool and address key organizational needs. Without a first-round pick, General Manager Chris Drury and his staff deployed a strategy that, while raising some eyebrows, ultimately reflected a fascinating approach to team building. The Rangers' draft can be described as prioritizing size and skating ability, particularly on defense, while also adding skill and potential in the forward ranks.
Armed with eight picks in rounds two through seven, the Rangers' strategy unfolded with their first selection, Malcolm Spence, a winger from the Erie Otters of the OHL. Spence, lauded for his skill, speed, and point-producing ability, was considered a potential first-round talent who slipped to the second round. He was over a point-per-game in his age-18 season. Many see Spence as a potential home run pick.
The Rangers then shifted their focus to defense, selecting Sean Barnhill and Artyom Gonchar in the third round. Barnhill, a product of the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints, is known for his skating and defensive acumen. Gonchar, nephew of former NHL player Sergei Gonchar, brings offensive upside from the MHL's Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk.
In the subsequent rounds, the Rangers continued to emphasize size and mobility on the blue line, drafting Zeb Lindgren, Evan Passmore, and Felix Farhammar. Passmore, at 6'4" and 210 pounds, is aright-shot defenseman known for his physicality and penalty-killing abilities.
While the focus on defense was apparent, the Rangers also addressed their need for center depth by selecting Mikkel Eriksen in the fourth round. Eriksen, a Norwegian player with a strong offensive skillset, played in Sweden-based J20 Nationell. The Rangers also selected Samuel Jung, a राइट winger from Czechia.
Several aspects of the Rangers' draft strategy stood out. First, their emphasis on size, particularly among the defensive prospects, signals a desire to emulate the success of teams like the Florida Panthers, who have found success with a big, mobile defense. Second, the Rangers' lack of trades was notable. Despite possessing multiple picks, they stood pat and made all eight of their selections. This could be due to a perceived lack of value on the trade market or a strong conviction in the players available at their draft positions.
Some observers have pointed out that the Rangers may have passed on players with higher offensive ceilings in favor of size and defensive responsibility. Others questioned the high number of defensemen selected, despite the team's need to bolster its center depth. However, the Rangers may be addressing the center position through free agency. Only time will tell whether the Rangers' unconventional approach will pay dividends. The success of this draft will hinge on the development of these prospects and their ability to contribute to the Rangers' future success.
