So here's a thought....
Based on current standings, Rangers will sit on top of either the 24th overall pick to the 26th overall pick. That could obviously change with whatever happens in the playoffs, but for the sake of the argument, could anyone compile a list of 3 players that you would select in that range of picks? 1st being the player you'd want the most; 3rd being the player you'd still want, but others have a better skill-set/positional need/BPA for 1st rounder. I'll start the discussion off....
At 24th Overall, the New York Rangers select....
1. D: Erik Brannstrom (SWE)(5'10"/179lbs., Shot: Left, HV71/SHL) - Brannstrom has the potential to become an all-around defenseman in the mold of Kimmo Timonen. Can skate the puck in circles, possesses dynamic skating, gives good outlet and stretch passes, has excellent and accurate shots (both wrister and slap) and has very good positioning. Can easily become an essential PPQB over time. Has all the tools to be a great defender in the NHL.
2. D: Conor Timmins (CAN)(6'1"/181lbs., Shot: Right, Sault Ste. Marie/OHL) - Timmins is a puck moving defender that, again, can QB a PP. His game is slightly different to that of Brannstrom's. Although both have similar qualities in style of play, I feel Brannstrom has the edge over Timmins due to explosiveness in skating. Brannstrom seems to have a second gear in his repertoire that puts him in the driver's seat of any offensive play. Timmins does, too, but the quickness and strength in Brannstrom's skating flourishes over that of Timmins currently. Timmins has excellent vision and an accurate shot and is also in the top leaders of 5v5 primary point getters in the OHL.... as a defenseman... (<- Insane Production!!)
3rd. C/LW/RW: Kailer Yamamoto (USA)(5'8"/159lbs., Shot: Right, Spokane/WHL) - Yamamoto is a tiny specimen, but packs a punch. Plays in all situations for a crappy Spokane team and is a main leader for the team's offensive production. Can PK, can play in the slot on a PP and has a lethal wrist and snap shot. Is closing in on 100 points this season, but won't think he'll reach it as there are three games left in their season. Flashy and gritty, I like what he brings to an NHL squad looking for a Zuccarello-type game. One flaw that I think needs to be worked on is his speed. Base speed is good, but looks sluggish at times. Could use an extra gear.
HM. G: Jake Oettinger (USA)(6'4"/205lbs., Catches: Left, Boston Uni./NCAA) - Most will disagree with me on this one, seeing NYR has a plethora of good goaltending prospects, but Oettinger is too good to pass up. I think of a lot of Carey Price to his game; fluid lateral movement, swallows up rebounds, very good at deflecting shots off pads away from the net & put into corners, covers posts nicely, reads shots and reacts quickly to them (especially high shots), and is effective in a butterfly stance. Some issues with him is that he likes to play with the puck a little too long outside the crease, which leads to coughing the puck up at times and he still goes down a bit too early when a shot goes through traffic. With Benoit Allaire behind the scenes, I don't see it being a big issue. With NYR's close ties to Boston Uni., I could definitely see Oettinger wearing a Rangers sweater on the night of the draft.
There are obviously others that, if they fall in the draft, could be better suited for the selection. Based on current slots and prospects that are "ranked" around the area of said slot, these are the guys I'd want. Would like to see what you guys think and maybe share your own top 3's!!
