2017 Draft & UDFA Thread

[Zil]

Who do I have to sacrifice to the hockey gods to get us Brännström?

 

[Mikos87]

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!!

Yeah I see what you're saying, that's the best return with Oettinger for that slot. Smart to think of this draft is where a lot of those upside picks do get taken early, Oettinger could go early to a team that wants goaltending.

The Rangers have Shesty, so they are good there. Given the lack of depth I would reach for a safer pick with lower upside if there was a 2nd round pick.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

The NHL is starved for finishers. Don't think wingers playing defense is a deal breaker anymore. Far more important for centers.

Popugaev's starting to heat up. 4g, 3a in his last nine after a mini slump following the trade. He has dominant shifts and isn't playing on a top line. Playing on 2nd line with Boyd and Curtis. Middle of the first round isn't out of the question but likely a late 1st, early 2nd. Plus he has good assist totals for a goal-scoring winger

I'd probably have him early 2nd, in terms of talent, very close to late 1st. If I am drafting though, he is just not the type of player I want my team picking.

Popugayev is a much better NHL prospect, but I view his game as I view Rangers WHL prospect Brad Morrison's game, although obviously to a way higher level. There's definite high level NHL talent in Popugayev's game, I'm just not sure I want us to be the team taking the chance because its a way higher chance than picking other players in the same range. There are so many things in his game that he has to work on. He plays such a junior hockey player that will not work in the NHL. Despite how talented he is, if he doesn't change how he plays, he will not be a successful NHL player. And I wouldn't say its just about defense. Watch his team offensively. I wouldn't say he's a dumb player, but his hockey IQ has to be questioned when he makes so many questionable decisions offensively that will work even less often in pro hockey than they work in junior hockey. And while he's still a young kid, so you can teach a player like that to use his size, it is kind of worrying how he doesn't use it at all. He doesn't need to be all about that yet, but just watching him play, he's a long way off even using it occasionally. Its non-existent. Watching him play, it might as well not matter that he's 6'6. There are things he needs to work on. The defense is not the biggest problem, its a number of things. There is definite talent there, but I think there are also a lot of questions in his game. He's a fine winger prospect, but I'm afraid he's kind of overrated due to his size, which he doesn't even use.

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

Who do I have to sacrifice to the hockey gods to get us Brännström?

Whoever it is, do it.

 

[Steve Kournianos]

I'd probably have him early 2nd, in terms of talent, very close to late 1st. If I am drafting though, he is just not the type of player I want my team picking.

Popugayev is a much better NHL prospect, but I view his game as I view Rangers WHL prospect Brad Morrison's game, although obviously to a way higher level. There's definite high level NHL talent in Popugayev's game, I'm just not sure I want us to be the team taking the chance because its a way higher chance than picking other players in the same range. There are so many things in his game that he has to work on. He plays such a junior hockey player that will not work in the NHL. Despite how talented he is, if he doesn't change how he plays, he will not be a successful NHL player. And I wouldn't say its just about defense. Watch his team offensively. I wouldn't say he's a dumb player, but his hockey IQ has to be questioned when he makes so many questionable decisions offensively that will work even less often in pro hockey than they work in junior hockey. And while he's still a young kid, so you can teach a player like that to use his size, it is kind of worrying how he doesn't use it at all. He doesn't need to be all about that yet, but just watching him play, he's a long way off even using it occasionally. Its non-existent. Watching him play, it might as well not matter that he's 6'6. There are things he needs to work on. The defense is not the biggest problem, its a number of things. There is definite talent there, but I think there are also a lot of questions in his game. He's a fine winger prospect, but I'm afraid he's kind of overrated due to his size, which he doesn't even use.

Considering his size, I'm in the camp that believes he should be better. But he has a ridiculous shot and can dish the puck.

You're also dismissing the possibility of improvement or learning from mistakes. He has no NHL representation yet, but once he's affiliated, he'll be on a different training program.

Look at Sokolov. He was an injured, overweight, lazy disaster last year yet still scored and showed flashes. Minny gambled on him late, he lost weight, healed up and is having an Amazing season.

This is the first draft where I wont get upset regardless of whom they pick. It's that wide open, especially in the late 1st.

 

[Zil]

Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase choose him Rangers:

 

[Ranger Ric]

Hockey East All Tournament Team
Hockey East All Tournament Team includes Goalie, Tyler Wall, left Wing and NY Ranger development camp attendee C. J. Smith, Center, Staten Island born and NY Ranger fan, Joe Gambardella http://goriverhawks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4301&path= and Defenseman, Michael Kapla, one of top free agent defenseman. Gambardella and Kapla are seniors and Smith is a junior. It will be interesting to see if the Rangers are interested in one or more of the free agents.

https://twitter.com/RiverHawkHockey/...76957768990724

 

[Ranger Ric]

Here is the NCAA Hockey tournament schedule:

Midwest Regional, March 25-26

U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio

Saturday, March 25, 1 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNews/WatchESPN

No. 1 Denver (29-7-4) vs. No. 4 Michigan Tech (23-14-7)

Saturday, March 25, 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN3/WatchESPN

No. 2 Union (NY) (25-9-3) vs. No. 3 Penn State (24-11-2)

Sunday, March 26, 6 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

Midwest Regional Championship

Northeast Regional, March 25-26

SNHU Arena, Manchester, New Hampshire

Saturday, March 25, 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

No. 1 Minnesota (23-11-3) vs. No. 4 Notre Dame (21-11-5)

Saturday, March 25, Noon Eastern time, ESPN3/WatchESPN

No. 2 Massachusetts Lowell (26-10-3) vs. No. 3 Cornell (21-8-5)

Sunday, March 26, 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

Northeast Regional Championship

East Regional, March 24-25

Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island

Friday, March 24, 4 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

No. 1 Harvard (26-5-2) vs. No. 4 Providence (22-11-5)

Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN3/WatchESPN

No. 2 Western Michigan (22-12-5) vs. No. 3 Air Force (26-9-5)

Saturday, March 25, 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

East Regional Championship

West Regional, March 24-25

Scheels Arena, Fargo, North Dakota

Friday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

No. 1 Minnesota Duluth (25-6-7) vs. No. 4 Ohio State (21-11-6)

Friday, March 24, 3 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN2/WatchESPN

No. 2 Boston University (23-11-3) vs. No. 3 North Dakota (21-15-3)

Saturday, March 25, 6 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

West Regional Championship

Plenty of free agents to watch for.

 

[Fitzy]

ECAC takes home another title this year. My money is on the Crimson.

 

[Joey Bones]

24th OA range?

1. Erik Brannstrom-Top 10 player in the draft. I think he's a top 4 D, maybe even a first pairing D. Would probably be top 3, if he was a few inches taller. Doesn't even really struggle defensively, like some would expect, but could put on some weight.

2. Alexei Lipanov-Borderline top 10 player in the draft who is suffering from the Russian factor right now. A lot of Russian prospects do. Playmaking center in the mold of Kuznetsov.

3. Jesper Boqvist-Really offensively talented Swede. Versatile enough to play either wing or center. Willy Nylander-lite.

HM: Robert Thomas. Two way center with underrated offensive ability.

Agreed on Brannstrom. Wouldn't say Lipanov is a top 10 player in the draft, but definitely a player that commands more of an NHL game to be a 1st rounder. Love Boqvist and think I would take him at 24h, too.

Thomas is more of an early 2nd rounder at this point, IMO. He's a physical, hard-working, two-way center that does, indeed, have an underrated offensive playmaking ability. Can PK and plays the slot on the PP. Can also pull off a highlight reel goal or two. Has a strong and fluid stride so, like Day, it looks as though he isn't putting out the effort, but he is. The thing I find off in his game is lack of compete. He doesn't back check that hard and can get out of position at times. With this said, I could see NYR gamble on him. Think there are better players at #24, though.

I wonder what the chances are that one of Makar/Foote drop to the Rangers position this year.

Don't think either will. Foote won't fall past Toronto. Makar might, due to a small stature, but I don't think he will. His explosiveness and competitiveness are too strong and valuable.

Nico @#4. That's interesting!

Foote to Flyers with 12th overall. I could see that. Hope he falls but I guess that might be somewhat unlikely.

Makar to the Kings @ 13.

Suzuki to the Isles @ 15. <--Im gonna throw up my corned beef on that one.

Petterson @18. Seems unlikely he falls that far.

Rangers passing up on Brannstrom with 26th overall. Hmmm.


Rangers passing on Brannstrom

Rangers would be absolutely dumb if they picked Ruzicka over Brannstrom. Ruzicka is a nice pick, but Brannstrom is way more of a necessity, IMO.

Bad mock.

The guy gets all kind of things wrong. I don't care about picks, but when you can't even describe players correctly, you maybe aren't suited to be publishing that.

Calls Elias Pettersson "speedy." If he was actually speedy, he'd be the first pick in the draft, bar none. Thats probably the worst part of his game. He thinks Popugayev would only drop due to the Russian factor. Uh, maybe try to watch him play. Doesn't play a lick of defense, plays like he's about a foot shorter than he is, holds onto the puck too long, questions about his attitude.

Agreed, thought his analysis' were off by a good margin.

1. Erik Brännström, he's just amazing.

2. Kailer Yamamoto, electric talent.

3. Henri Jokiharju, very good PM RHD.

HM: Nikita Popugayev, i just really love his tools, a potential RW Kreider.

A bit too tired to go in depth

Agreed on Brannstrom and Yamamoto. I like Jokiharju, but his lack of physical play in the defensive zone, especially in front of the net, scares me. He needs to add more edge to his game.

Popugayev is intriguing, I too like his skill set and what he could become, but there is a lot to his game that could use work. Project pick, IMO, that NYR should avoid if guys like Brannstrom, Timmins, Yamamoto, etc are still available.

Joey, I think you're missing a huge part of Timmins game where he's much superior to Brannstrom: he's physical and is really good at disrupting plays with his body or stick. Brannstrom is the better skater, but Timmins is good offensively too, a great outlet passer, and is really driving that Soo team. He plays much bigger than someone that's 6'1.

If he could put on a tad more weight, it would help him in the long run too. I'd say he'll find a comfort zone at around 6'1 190-195.

Don't get me wrong, I love what Timmins brings to the table. I will agree that he is very good at getting in the way of opposing player's passes and disrupting opposing offensive, but I don't think he's entirely physical. I think a bit of Yandle in that regard, but that doesn't mean that he can't add strength and gain an edge. Think he could very well do that at ease. I just think Brannstrom has more of a game-changing aspect to his repertoire. Love how both players play, though.

Yeah I see what you're saying, that's the best return with Oettinger for that slot. Smart to think of this draft is where a lot of those upside picks do get taken early, Oettinger could go early to a team that wants goaltending.

The Rangers have Shesty, so they are good there. Given the lack of depth I would reach for a safer pick with lower upside if there was a 2nd round pick.

Agreed.

Considering his size, I'm in the camp that believes he should be better. But he has a ridiculous shot and can dish the puck.

You're also dismissing the possibility of improvement or learning from mistakes. He has no NHL representation yet, but once he's affiliated, he'll be on a different training program.

Look at Sokolov. He was an injured, overweight, lazy disaster last year yet still scored and showed flashes. Minny gambled on him late, he lost weight, healed up and is having an Amazing season.

This is the first draft where I wont get upset regardless of whom they pick. It's that wide open, especially in the late 1st.

^ Good post. Well said.

 

[Joey Bones]

Here is the NCAA Hockey tournament schedule:

Midwest Regional, March 25-26

U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio

Saturday, March 25, 1 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNews/WatchESPN

No. 1 Denver (29-7-4) vs. No. 4 Michigan Tech (23-14-7)

Saturday, March 25, 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN3/WatchESPN

No. 2 Union (NY) (25-9-3) vs. No. 3 Penn State (24-11-2)

Sunday, March 26, 6 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

Midwest Regional Championship

Northeast Regional, March 25-26

SNHU Arena, Manchester, New Hampshire

Saturday, March 25, 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

No. 1 Minnesota (23-11-3) vs. No. 4 Notre Dame (21-11-5)

Saturday, March 25, Noon Eastern time, ESPN3/WatchESPN

No. 2 Massachusetts Lowell (26-10-3) vs. No. 3 Cornell (21-8-5)

Sunday, March 26, 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

Northeast Regional Championship

East Regional, March 24-25

Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island

Friday, March 24, 4 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

No. 1 Harvard (26-5-2) vs. No. 4 Providence (22-11-5)

Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN3/WatchESPN

No. 2 Western Michigan (22-12-5) vs. No. 3 Air Force (26-9-5)

Saturday, March 25, 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

East Regional Championship

West Regional, March 24-25

Scheels Arena, Fargo, North Dakota

Friday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

No. 1 Minnesota Duluth (25-6-7) vs. No. 4 Ohio State (21-11-6)

Friday, March 24, 3 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN2/WatchESPN

No. 2 Boston University (23-11-3) vs. No. 3 North Dakota (21-15-3)

Saturday, March 25, 6 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU/WatchESPN

West Regional Championship

Plenty of free agents to watch for.

My bet is Denver, Harvard, UMass-Lowell and Boston Uni. for the frozen four. Think whoever wins Denver/UMass will take it this year.

 

[Joey Bones]

http://blueseatblogs.com/2017/03/20/make-sense-trade-antti-raanta-offseason/

Thought this was interesting. Supposedly, Raanta could be moved at, or before, the draft in a very similar case that Talbot was in a couple years ago. The article mentions that the Rangers might capitalize on a potential Raanta trade with a team that is in need of goaltending and specifically mentions Dallas as the No. 1 option. Dallas will hold a top 10 pick come the draft, but also could hold Anaheim's 1st rounder due to the Patrick Eaves trade.

Raanta is a better goalie, IMO, than Talbot, at the time, so the Rangers could use the Martin Jones trade a few seasons back as a model to a Stars/Rangers trade for Raanta.

Any thoughts? NYR could hold two 1sts in a very wide open class.

 

[Zil]

http://blueseatblogs.com/2017/03/20/make-sense-trade-antti-raanta-offseason/

Thought this was interesting. Supposedly, Raanta could be moved at, or before, the draft in a very similar case that Talbot was in a couple years ago. The article mentions that the Rangers might capitalize on a potential Raanta trade with a team that is in need of goaltending and specifically mentions Dallas as the No. 1 option. Dallas will hold a top 10 pick come the draft, but also could hold Anaheim's 1st rounder due to the Patrick Eaves trade.

Raanta is a better goalie, IMO, than Talbot, at the time, so the Rangers could use the Martin Jones trade a few seasons back as a model to a Stars/Rangers trade for Raanta.

Any thoughts? NYR could hold two 1sts in a very wide open class.

Trade Raanta for pick 10 and use the first round to take Liljegren/Pettersson and Brännström.

 

[Joey Bones]

http://www.tsn.ca/craig-s-list-lots-of-talent-after-patrick-hischier-1.702428

Button's latest mock. A LOT OF SHIFTING!!!

- Martin Necas at No. 3 before Liljegren, Pettersson, Mittelstadt, etc.

- Cody Glass @ No. 9

- Nick Suzuki @ No. 10

- Kailer Yamamoto @ No. 14

- Alexei Lipanov @ 17

- Owen Tippett @ No. 20

- Josh Norris @ No. 21

- Klim Kostin @ No. 30

- DiPietro the first goalie taken @ No. 33, then Luukkonen @ No. 40, then Oettinger @ No. 50

- No goalies go in round 1, but 5 go in round 2, then 3 in round 3.

- Lind, Jokiharju, Ikonen, Barratt, Shaw, Thomas, Farrance all go in the 2nd round

- Brannstrom (45th), Comtois (48th), Hague (55th), Vaakanainen (57th), Popugaev (67th), Ruzicka (68th), Boqvist (77th), Mattheos (78th), Elvenes (81st), Lodnia (82nd), and Salo (100th) all don't go in the 1st round.

 

[Revel]

Thanks for the link, Joey. I see Button has Timmins @ #25.....our spot. Timmins is a guy I want. Would be very satisfied if it plays out that way.

 

[Trxjw]

Valimaki at 23? Okay, Craig.

If he was there at 23 and the Rangers couldn't make a play to get him, I'd have an aneurysm.

 

[Revel]

Wrong thread, lol

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Thats really bad. I think I agree with him on one thing, Lipanov is top 20. Other than that, I might as well not even comment.

 

[Mac n Gs]

Craig always has those weird ranks that stick out like Valimaki not being ranked in his top-10. Please get Timmins. I'm expecting him to shoot up draft boards soon though

 

[Mikos87]

College Free Agents

1. For those of you who have access to NESN and are interested in seeing free agent defensemen of possible interest to the Rangers, the Hockey East semi final between Notre Dame and U. Mass Lowell will be shown at 5:00 pm on Friday. Junior Jordan Gross plays for Notre Dame and Senior Michael Kapla of U. Mass Lowell.

Gross is an undersized but good skating puck moving right handed defenseman. Kapla has captained the team for two years and is an all round solid left shooting defenseman. Gross could stay in school but Kapla will sign at pro contract at the end of the team's season.

Two other U. Mass Lowell prospects to watch out for are junior left winger C. J. Smith who attended the Rangers development camp last year and senior center Joe Gambardella.

If anyone watches the game please post your thoughts on the players.

2. The Rangers either were not interested or not successful in signing any of the free agents from teams whose season ended last weekend. There are 24 teams playing in this week's conference playoff finals. With the 16 NCAA tournament playoff teams being announced this Sunday at noon, players from another 8 schools will become available next week. The first and second rounds of the tournament will be played the following weekend leaving 12 more teams eliminated and four teams playing in the frozen four two weeks later.

While there is no certainty the Rangers will sign any college free agents historically they have:

2009 Paul Crowder, Matt Gilroy, Lee Baldwin, Cam Talbot
2010 Tommy Grant
2012 Connor Allen, Kyle Jean
2013 Ryan Haggerty, Christ McCarthy, Matt Bodie
2014 Kevin Hayes
2016 Adam Chapie, John Gilmour, Jimmy Vesey

Gilroy, Talbot, Hayes and Vesey made the Rangers, Conor Allen had a cup of coffer and even Ryan Haggerty was valuable in being traded to Chicago for Antii Raanta.

3. There has been some speculation that Jimmy Vesey Harvard teammate, Alex Kerfoot, who was drafted by the Devils, might follow Vesey to free agency. But this article says that if Kerfoot goes free agency he is likely to sign with Vancouver. http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2017/03/16/will-devils-lose-hobey-baker-finalist-kerfoot-to-vancouver/

Great post.

Lots of interest around Jordan Gross. He's one of those understated players out there but the Rangers should definitely be fishing here.

 

[RangerBoy]

Lipinov looks really good in the YouTube highlights. The Barrie Colts took him in the import draft. One of the Hockey News guys wrote about him a few months ago. What's his contract situation with the Russian team? North American agent? If Lipinov was interested in playing in the OHL,the Rangers could draft and sign him to the 3 year ELC. The contract would slide until Lipinov was 20. He could also play in the AHL at some point before he is 20. The Rangers arrange a trade to a better OHL team like London or Windsor. The Rangers know people there.

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

Pettersson outside top 10 and Brännström at #45 makes me vomit.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Lipinov looks really good in the YouTube highlights. The Barrie Colts took him in the import draft. One of the Hockey News guys wrote about him a few months ago. What's his contract situation with the Russian team? North American agent? If Lipinov was interested in playing in the OHL,the Rangers could draft and sign him to the 3 year ELC. The contract would slide until Lipinov was 20. He could also play in the AHL at some point before he is 20. The Rangers arrange a trade to a better OHL team like London or Windsor. The Rangers know people there.

He has another two years after this one, and he should stay in Russia. Most of the best Russian players develop in Russia. Worked fine for Buchnevich and its working fine for Shestyorkin.

Let him stay with Dynamo Moscow, and he might be ready after two or three seasons. I think he has a good chance to play in the KHL next season.

 

[Ghost of jas]

I think I'm hopping on the Timmins train. I would to be able to move Raanta for an additional #1 and snag both Timmins and Brannstrom.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

I'm all aboard the Brannstrom train, but I wouldn't be that upset with Timmins