The New York Rangers, a storied franchise with a rich history, face an ongoing challenge: consistent success in drafting impactful players within the top 10 of the NHL Entry Draft. While the team has unearthed gems in later rounds, their early selections have yielded mixed results, leading to questions about their scouting and development strategies.
Looking back at recent history, the Rangers have had some high-profile misses. Lias Andersson, drafted 7th overall in 2017, is a prime example. Billed as a mature, NHL-ready player, Andersson struggled to adapt to the North American game, eventually returning to Europe after failing to make a significant impact. Dylan McIlrath, the 10th overall pick in 2010, was another swing and a miss. Nicknamed "The Undertaker" for his physical style, McIlrath never developed the skating or puck-handling skills necessary to be a regular NHL defenseman. While he did manage to play a few playoff games against the Rangers for the Washington Capitals, his overall contribution to the team that drafted him was minimal.
Even players who have had NHL careers haven't always lived up to their top-10 draft status. Al Montoya, selected 6th overall in 2004, had a long career as a backup goaltender but never played a game for the Rangers. Dan Blackburn, another goalie drafted 10th overall in 2001, had his career tragically cut short due to a nerve injury. While not entirely the fault of the Rangers' scouting, these instances highlight the inherent risk in drafting any player, especially goalies, so high in the draft.
There have been successes, of course. In 2020, the Rangers drafted Alexis Lafreniere with the first overall pick. After a few seasons of adjustment, Lafreniere has begun to show the potential that made him the top prospect in his class, posting career highs in goals, assists, and points. Chris Kreider, drafted 19th overall in 2009, has become a mainstay for the Rangers, even reaching 50 goals in a season. However, Kreider was selected outside the top 10, highlighting the Rangers' greater success in the mid-to-late first round. Looking further back, Brian Leetch (9th overall in 1986) and Brad Park (2nd overall in 1966) represent some of the best draft picks in Rangers' history.
The upcoming 2024 NHL Draft presents another opportunity for the Rangers to add to their prospect pool. With the 30th overall pick, their latest first-round selection since 2012, the Rangers will aim to find a player who can contribute to the team's future success. Recent drafts have seen the Rangers select players like Gabe Perreault (23rd overall in 2023) and Brennan Othmann (16th overall in 2021). It remains to be seen whether these players will develop into top-line talents, but the pressure is on for the Rangers to improve their track record with early draft picks.
The Rangers' drafting woes in the top 10 underscore the unpredictable nature of the NHL Entry Draft. While some players flourish, others fail to live up to expectations. For the Rangers, improving their scouting process, player development programs, and overall draft strategy is essential to building a consistent contender through the draft.
