The New York Rangers are steadily constructing a vibrant future with a deep pool of younger expertise able to enter the highlight. Gabe Perreault leads the cost, whose scoring capability highlights his potential to be a game-changer on the NHL degree. Alongside him, the relentless vitality of Brett Berard and Adam Sýkora in Hartford exemplifies the type of tenacity that might outline the Rangers’ subsequent era. These prospects, every with their very own distinctive strengths, are essential to the group’s long-term success and signify the way forward for the Blueshirts.
10. Raoul Boilard (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)
Boilard, chosen 119th total by the Rangers within the fourth spherical of the 2024 Draft, is a promising younger middle with the potential to turn out to be a dependable third-line middle within the NHL. At 6-foot-2 and 190 kilos, Boilard combines measurement with a powerful understanding of the sport, making him an efficient two-way participant. His strengths lie in his capability to assist teammates in all three zones, shorten passing lanes, and preserve fixed stress on the opposition.
Boilard’s efficiency within the QMJHL with Baie-Comeau Drakkar showcased his well-rounded sport. In 68 video games, he recorded 22 objectives and 40 assists for 62 factors. Whereas his offensive numbers are stable, Boilard’s true worth comes from his capability to play a wise, system-oriented sport. He makes fast selections, turns interceptions into offense, and offers simple retailers for his teammates below stress.
Regardless of some issues about consistency and his capability to take care of a excessive degree of play, Boilard’s flashes of ability, mixed together with his bodily presence and defensive acumen, counsel he has the instruments to be greater than only a depth participant. If he continues to develop his sport, significantly in creating offensive alternatives relatively than simply reacting to opposition errors, Boilard might turn out to be a priceless middle-six middle for the Rangers.
9. Jaroslav Chmelar (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Chmelar, chosen 144th total by the Rangers within the fifth spherical of the 2021 Draft, is an imposing presence on the ice who has steadily been growing right into a well-rounded ahead with the potential to turn out to be a priceless middle-six winger. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 220 kilos, Chmelar made notable strides in his sophomore season at Windfall Faculty, recording 15 factors in 26 video games earlier than a wrist harm sidelined him in December. Regardless of the setback, Chmelar’s play was spectacular sufficient to earn him a call-up to the AHL, the place he tallied two factors in seven video games, adopted by three factors in 10 playoff contests.
Chmelar’s power lies in his capability to play a heavy, efficient sport down low, excelling in each offensive and defensive zones. His efficiency on the World Juniors, the place he was a key of the Czech workforce, highlighted his capability to dominate bodily, win battles alongside the boards, and lengthen offensive sequences by pushing by way of contact or successful puck retrievals. Chmelar’s skating is powerful for his measurement, and his knack for studying the sport rapidly permits him to make an influence in all areas of the ice.
Whereas some scouts have questioned whether or not he has sufficient ability to make the leap to the NHL, Chmelar’s continued improvement suggests he might exceed expectations. His measurement, work ethic, and talent to play in robust areas of the ice place him as a participant with the potential to contribute not simply as a fourth-line winger however as a priceless piece within the Rangers’ middle-six. If Chmelar can proceed refining his sport with the puck, he has the potential to turn out to be a dependable and impactful NHL ahead.
8. Drew Fortescue (Boston Faculty)
Fortescue was chosen ninetieth total by the Rangers within the 2023 Draft. After a powerful season with america Nationwide Crew Improvement Program (USNTDP), the place he tallied 31 factors in 84 video games, Fortescue transitioned to Boston Faculty as a freshman. He has continued growing his defensive sport there, recording eight factors in 40 video games.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 176 kilos, Fortescue is a defense-first participant who excels in orchestrating zone exits and disrupting opposing performs. His quickness and powerful skating capability enable him to deal with defensive tasks successfully, making him one of the vital reliable blueliners throughout his time with the USNTDP. Fortescue’s sport is constructed on stable fundamentals. Whereas he is probably not flashy, his reliability on the blue line and proficiency in penalty-killing conditions make him a priceless asset.
Although his offensive sport continues to be growing, Fortescue’s potential for progress suggests he might finally incorporate extra offensive components into his play. For now, his focus stays on his defensive tasks, drawing comparisons to gamers like Ryan Lindgren in model. Fortescue’s measurement, physicality, and defensive acumen place him as a powerful candidate to develop right into a dependable NHL defenseman, with the potential to contribute considerably in each even-strength and particular groups conditions. Right here’s a extra in-depth highlight on Fortescue as a prospect.
7. Adam Edstrom (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Edstrom, chosen 161st total by the Rangers within the sixth spherical of the 2019 Draft, is a towering presence on the ice at 6-foot-7. After debuting with the Hartford Wolf Pack on the finish of the 2022-23 season, Edstrom rapidly established himself as a bodily pressure. In 2023-24, Edstrom performed 40 video games with Hartford; he recorded 16 factors, showcasing his measurement and talent to contribute offensively. His sturdy play earned him a call-up to the Rangers, the place he added two factors in 11 NHL video games.
Edstrom’s mixture of measurement and shocking mobility makes him a singular asset. Regardless of his stature, he skates very nicely, which permits him to be efficient in varied conditions. Together with his physicality, sturdy skating, and the power to chip in offensively, Edstrom has the potential to be a key contributor to the Rangers’ backside six for years to return. His improvement right into a dependable NHL participant will probably be essential for including depth and physicality to the Rangers’ ahead group.
6. Dylan Garand (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Garand has steadily developed right into a dependable goaltender throughout the Rangers’ system. After a stable rookie season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Garand really shone within the 2023 AHL playoffs, posting a stellar .935 save share and a 5-3 report, serving to his workforce safe a first-round upset over the Windfall Bruins. Final season, Garand posted a regular-season save share of .898 however as soon as once more elevated his sport within the playoffs with a .922 save share, proving to be a considerably higher performer within the postseason.
At 6-foot-1 and 176 kilos, Garand is taken into account undersized by right now’s NHL goalie requirements. Nevertheless, his quickness, sharp positioning, and understanding of the sport assist him overcome any measurement limitations. Garand’s technical proficiency within the web is spectacular, with meticulous post-to-post motion, wonderful angle play, and the power to remain calm below stress. His glove hand is especially sturdy, and he not often seems panicked, even when going through troublesome conditions.
Whereas his ceiling might not but be absolutely outlined, Garand has proven the potential to turn out to be a great NHL starter. On the very least, his ability set and improvement counsel he might thrive in a 1B position, offering essential depth for the Rangers within the coming years.
5. Adam Sýkora (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Sýkora was chosen 63rd total by the Rangers within the 2022 Draft. The Slovak winger has constantly demonstrated his capability to adapt and develop in aggressive environments. Final season, Sýkora posted 23 factors in 66 video games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, including three factors in 10 playoff video games. Regardless of being one of many youngest gamers within the draft and thought of undersized at 5-foot-10 and 172 kilos, Sýkora’s intense, fearless model of play has made him stand out.
Sýkora’s defensive prowess and relentless work ethic are his defining traits, making him a priceless asset in all conditions. His efficiency as captain of Slovakia within the 2024 World Junior Championship, the place he led his workforce to the quarterfinals, additional underscores his management qualities and talent to contribute on the worldwide stage. Whereas his scoring might not but align with top-six expectations, Sýkora’s potential to turn into a flexible middle-six ahead is obvious. His dedication to bettering his offensive sport and his current defensive expertise place him as a key piece within the Rangers’ future lineup. Right here’s a extra in-depth highlight on Sýkora as a prospect.
4. E.J. Emery (College of North Dakota)
Emery, chosen thirtieth total by the Rangers within the 2024 Draft, stands out as a promising stay-at-home defenseman with a powerful bodily presence. At 6-foot-3 and 185 kilos, Emery excels in utilizing his measurement and attain to close down opposing forwards, a ability he honed throughout his time with the USNTDP, the place he recorded 22 assists in 88 video games. Emery has talked about that he appears as much as Ok’Andre Miller, and like Miller, his sport is constructed on defensive reliability and the power to shut down area aggressively.
RELATED: Rangers Have to Give Berard & Othmann NHL Ice Time This Season
Whereas his offensive sport continues to be growing, Emery’s progress in transitions suggests potential for additional contributions. His defensive instincts and physicality place him as a possible top-four defenseman for the Rangers. Although a couple of years away from the NHL, Emery’s mix of measurement, velocity, and defensive acumen makes him a key piece of the Rangers’ future on the blue line. Right here’s a extra in-depth highlight on Emery as a prospect.
3. Brennan Othmann (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Othmann has been one of many New York Rangers’ high prospects since being chosen sixteenth total within the 2021 Draft. At 21 years previous, Othmann has continued to develop right into a dynamic winger with a shoot-first mentality, making him a continuing risk within the offensive zone. Final season, he posted 49 factors in 67 video games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, including 5 factors in 10 playoff contests. His sturdy efficiency earned him a quick call-up to the Rangers, the place he gained priceless NHL expertise in three video games.
Othmann’s excellent shot and talent to capitalize on the facility play have been key elements of his sport, with greater than half of his factors coming with the person benefit final season. This proficiency might show invaluable for a Rangers workforce trying to bolster its offensive depth, significantly if Othmann secures a job on the second power-play unit.
Whereas his sport is primarily offensive, Othmann’s willingness to shoot the puck addresses a vital want for the Rangers. As he continues to develop, refining his defensive consciousness will probably be important. Nonetheless, his offensive upside and scoring contact make him a powerful candidate for a top-nine position with the Rangers within the close to future.
2. Brett Berard (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Berard has emerged as one of many New York Rangers’ most promising prospects regardless of being chosen 134th total within the 2020 Draft. After three seasons at Windfall Faculty, the place he posted 72 factors in 93 video games, Berard transitioned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, ending final season with 48 factors in 71 regular-season video games and 6 factors in 10 playoff video games. Identified for his relentless vitality and powerful even-strength scoring, Berard’s 33 even-strength factors spotlight his potential to deal with a key want for the Rangers.
Standing at 5-foot-9 and 163 kilos, Berard compensates for his smaller stature with velocity, work ethic, and a relentless forecheck, making him a fan favourite within the making. His capability to contribute in all conditions, significantly on the penalty kill, units him aside as a flexible asset for the Rangers. Whereas his offensive ceiling may not match that of high prospects like Gabriel Perreault, Berard’s all-around sport and grit place him as important for the Rangers’ future. Right here’s a extra in-depth highlight on Berard as a prospect.
1. Gabe Perreault (Boston Faculty)
Perreault stands because the undisputed high prospect within the Rangers’ system, with a substantial hole between him and the subsequent in line. Heading into his sophomore season at Boston Faculty, Perreault is coming off a powerful freshman marketing campaign the place he tallied 60 factors in 36 video games. The twenty third total decide within the 2023 Draft is already wanting like a steal for the Rangers.Â
Whereas his NHL debut is probably going slated for the 2025-26 season, there’s an actual risk he might signal his entry-level contract after this upcoming school season and see a couple of video games with the Rangers, very similar to his fellow Eagle, Chris Kreider, did in 2012. Perreault is an elite scorer with distinctive playmaking capability, although refining his skating will probably be essential for him to totally understand his potential and make the leap to the NHL. Right here’s a extra in-depth highlight on Perreault as a prospect.
The Subsequent Era: Shaping the Rangers’ Future
Because the Rangers construct towards the long run, their deep prospect pool presents a promising outlook. From Perreault’s elite scoring to Berard’s relentless vitality and Emery’s defensive prowess, these younger gamers are key to the Rangers’ long-term success.
With a mixture of expertise, physicality, and flexibility, these prospects have the potential to make a major influence on the NHL degree. As they proceed to develop, they’ll play essential roles within the Rangers’ quest for Stanley Cup competition, guaranteeing a vibrant future for the group.
