2017 Draft & UDFA Thread

[Ranger Ric]

Vinnie Lettieri is a small, 5'10" 180 pounds very fast skater. He has attended at least one and I think two prospect camps several years ago. He played four years for Minnesota scoring only 6 and 12 points in 37 games each year his first two years. He improved to 26 points his junior year and this year scored at a point a game clip. Whether this is improvement or playing against less mature college players in not clear to me. I did see one of the Minnesota playoff games and he is very noticeable because he is so quick.

Michael Russo, who is an excellent source, did not make clear if Minn and NY were offering NHL or AHL contracts. Lettieri has not been listed anywhere as one of the top free agent prospects and other prospects who garnered much more attention such as Tyler Kelleher of New Hampshire and Dominic Shine of Northern Michigan only signed AHL deals. Lettieri is not even the best free agent prospect on Minnesota as center Tim Sheehy and Winger Justin Kloos have been rated among the top free agent prospects in the country.

If the Rangers were going to sign one free agent winger I would think they would be much more interested in C. J. Smith of U Mass Lowell than Lettieri.

This would be a reasonable signing but would rather see it as an AHL deal.

Can someone tell us more about Lettieri? Position? Strengths? Weaknesses?

 

[eco's bones]

Vinnie Lettieri is a small, 5'10" 180 pounds very fast skater. He has attended at least one and I think two prospect camps several years ago. He played four years for Minnesota scoring only 6 and 12 points in 37 games each year his first two years. He improved to 26 points his junior year and this year scored at a point a game clip. Whether this is improvement or playing against less mature college players in not clear to me. I did see one of the Minnesota playoff games and he is very noticeable because he is so quick.

Michael Russo, who is an excellent source, did not make clear if Minn and NY were offering NHL or AHL contracts. Lettieri has not been listed anywhere as one of the top free agent prospects and other prospects who garnered much more attention such as Tyler Kelleher of New Hampshire and Dominic Shine of Northern Michigan only signed AHL deals. Lettieri is not even the best free agent prospect on Minnesota as center Tim Sheehy and Winger Justin Kloos have been rated among the top free agent prospects in the country.

If the Rangers were going to sign one free agent winger I would think they would be much more interested in C. J. Smith of U Mass Lowell than Lettieri.

This would be a reasonable signing but would rather see it as an AHL deal.

Lists are lists. That the Blackhawks are the other team making a big push for him is interesting to me. The Rangers have seen him first hand in their development camp--that they'd like to sign him then speaks pretty loudly. In any case the Rangers can still pursue Sheehy and/or Kloos as well.

 

[Ranger Ric]

Agree with you that lists are lists and if the Rangers see something in him that others may not then so be it. It is the Minnesota Wild rather than the Black Hawks that Russo reported were interested in him but that still is significant. But Russo did not specify whether the interest was for an NHL or AHL contract.

I wanted to provide a sense of who the player is, where some people think he stands compared to other players and what sorts of NHL interest there have been in players like him. He would be a great signing for an AHL contract and a credible signing for an NHL contract but I still feel that if they had the option they should choose C. J. Smith, who also has attended Rangers development camp, over Lettieri.

Lists are lists. That the Blackhawks are the other team making a big push for him is interesting to me. The Rangers have seen him first hand in their development camp--that they'd like to sign him then speaks pretty loudly. In any case the Rangers can still pursue Sheehy and/or Kloos as well.

 

[Mac n Gs]

I agree that CJ Smith would be a nice signing

 

[Ranger Ric]

With three of the four final berths in the NCAA frozen four decided and with no notable non goalie free agent players on either Denver or Penn State I wanted to provide an update on the players whose teams lose this weekend and could now sign pro contracts this week.

Defense

Josh Healy of Ohio State signed a contract with Calgary over the weekend.

Of the teams that lost this weekend, two defenseman highlights by Elliotte Friedman a few weeks ago in this weekly column could sign this week. They are senior, Michael Kapla of Mass Lowell and junior right handed Nick Desimone of Union. I did not get a chance to see Union as they were blown out in the first game. But I have seen Kapla play several times and I really like his game. Although he is left handed he plays a great deal on the right side. He plays both power play and penalty kill. He has good offensive skills, is calm with the puck and makes good passes to start plays out of the zone.

Two of the top rated right handed defensemen, Neal Pionk of Minn Duluth and Jordan Gross of Notre Dame cannot be signed for another two weeks when the final four takes place. Pionk is bigger than Gross, moves the puck very well and plays with a mean streak. Gross is a puck mover but listed at 5’10” he is a little small.

There is one wild card in Will Butcher of Denver. Butcher, a small, puck moving defenseman, was drafted by Colorado but the team apparently has not made any effort to sign him and there is some speculation he may go UFA.

Forward

Two of the free agents who have received some buzz, senior center Alex Iafallo and sophomore center, Adam Johnson, play for Minn Duluth and are not available for another two weeks.

Of the seniors receiving the most buzz, center Mike Vecchione of Union, center John Stevens of Northeastern (son of the LA Kings coach) and right wing Nicholas Schilkey of Ohio State were identified by Elliotte Friedman in his column. Other seniors who will get some attention are center Joe Gambardella of Mass Lowell, who grew up in New York and identified himself as a Rangers fan, and Justin Kloos of Minnesota also will receive attention.

There are a number of non seniors who could turn pro or go back to school. Mass Lowell left wing, C. J. Smith, who attended the Rangers development camp last summer, would be near the top of every list. A number of people on the thread have said they are impressed by him. I agree. He has very good speed and is offensively gifted. I would love for the Rangers to ink him. Other names who can go pro if they choose are right wing Spencer Foo of Union, center Tyler Sheehy of Minnesota, and wing Sebastian Widmar of Union.

I would hope the Rangers can sign Smith and one of the defensemen.

 

[Joey Bones]

wasn't Lettieri at the Rangers developmental camp once or twice?

Yes, I think he could be a good utility player with some skill. I think Lettieri can become like a grinder in the mold of Connor Sheary. Don't think he'll perform as well as Sheary, but there are some similarities in style.

 

[RangerBoy]

^ This is exactly the reason why it doesn't make sense that he is not ranked higher.

Good. Maybe the Rangers can select Brannstrom with their pick in the early 20's assuming that the Rangers don't make the conference finals.

 

[eco's bones]

Agree with you that lists are lists and if the Rangers see something in him that others may not then so be it. It is the Minnesota Wild rather than the Black Hawks that Russo reported were interested in him but that still is significant. But Russo did not specify whether the interest was for an NHL or AHL contract.

I wanted to provide a sense of who the player is, where some people think he stands compared to other players and what sorts of NHL interest there have been in players like him. He would be a great signing for an AHL contract and a credible signing for an NHL contract but I still feel that if they had the option they should choose C. J. Smith, who also has attended Rangers development camp, over Lettieri.

FWIW I would like to see the Rangers sign any of Smith, Kapla and/or Pionk but signing Lettieri doesn't necessarily stop the Rangers from signing others. We're going to have holes.

Hopefully the Rangers re-sign Brendan Smith who is a UFA to be but I'd let the likes of Pirri, Glass, Hellberg, Hrivik, Kampfer, Summers, Chris Brown, Skapski, Hughes and Donnay move on to another team.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

^ This is exactly the reason why it doesn't make sense that he is not ranked higher.

He has a good chance to be one of those expected picks that excels after being drafted and turns out to be the steal of the draft, if he drops to 20-25

 

[Ranger Ric]

According to Minnesota Wild reporter, Michael Russo, Minnesota forward, Vinnie Leftieri will sign with Rangers and play the last eight games of the year with Hartford.


11m
Michael Russo‏ @Russostrib
Vinni Lettieri closing in on a 2-yr deal w/ the #NYRangers. Will be in Hartford Tues. to play final 8 games after breakout year w/ #gophers

 

[TLEH]

Vinni Letteiri signs with the Rangers. Excellent college FA and I know he is already 22, but his speed and shot are excellent.

He will do anything to win. Play physical along the wall, get to the net, forechecks hard on the wing but can play a responsible center due to his speed.

Brady and Stepan got him and he spent some time at your camps, too.

When I mean the kid can fly, he can absolutely fly.

 

[Trxjw]

Very important for the Rangers to keep bringing in NCAA free agents. Even if 9 out of every 10 never make a meaningful impact on the organization.

 

[Ghost of jas]

Now go get Smith and either Gross or Pionk.

 

[Trxjw]

Now go get Smith and either Gross or Pionk.

Or? I'll take both Gross and Pionk. That'd be a coup. Smith I could take or leave, tbh.

 

[Zil]

Or? I'll take both Gross and Pionk. That'd be a coup. Smith I could take or leave, tbh.

We should chase down every talented puck moving D we can find. Maybe we'll get lucky and dig up the next Torey Krug.

 

[Ranger Ric]

This tweet is from a local Minneapolis reporter.

Darren Wolfson‏Verified account @DWolfsonKSTP 8h8 hours ago
More
Darren Wolfson Retweeted NHL on NBC
Hear Jake Bischoff closing in on a deal w/ the Islanders and another former #Gophers hockey player to NY w/ the Rangers (it's a done deal).

Per my previous messages the two obvious players are senior Justin Kloos and sophomore Tyler Sheehy. Since the tweet refers to a former player I am guessing this is Kloos. Here is a write up on Kloos from SB Nation:

"Kloos has put together four excellent seasons at the University of Minnesota, including serving as team captain for the past two years. Kloos has above-average speed and good offensive skill. He has the patience and vision to make the extra pass in the offensive zone, and good finishing ability. He’s a strong character player that works hard and frequently comes up big in big moments. There’s a lot to like about him, and impossible to argue with what he’s accomplished at the college level.

The problem is that Kloos has always been a bit of a tweener as an NHL prospect. He’s probably not quite skilled enough to play a top-six scoring role at the NHL level, and not quite big enough to play a physical checking line role. That said, someone with his track record will likely get an opportunity with an NHL contract with somebody, and it seems like it would be a mistake to bet against him contributing somehow in the NHL."

 

[Ranger Ric]

Both Sheehy and Kloos are smallish, prolific scoring forwards every year they player at Minnesota. Kloos is two years older. He will be 24 in the fall. Either would be a terrific addition for offensively challenged Hartford next year. This past year Sheehy had 53 points while Kloos had 42 points in 38 games.

Here is SB Nation writeup on Sheehy:

Tyler Sheehy was passed over in multiple NHL Drafts because of his lack of elite skating ability. But he has become impossible to ignore as a pro prospect after putting together the most productive offensive season by a Gopher in over a decade this year with 52 points in 36 games.

Sheehy makes up for his lack of speed with an incredible hockey IQ. He gets into the right positions at the right times to be effective, and when he gets the puck on his stick, he’s a smart passer and has an above-average shot for his size which makes him an effective scorer. He has potential as a second or third line scoring winger at the NHL level.

This tweet is from a local Minneapolis reporter.

Darren Wolfson‏Verified account @DWolfsonKSTP 8h8 hours ago
More
Darren Wolfson Retweeted NHL on NBC
Hear Jake Bischoff closing in on a deal w/ the Islanders and another former #Gophers hockey player to NY w/ the Rangers (it's a done deal).

Per my previous messages the two obvious players are senior Justin Kloos and sophomore Tyler Sheehy. Since the tweet refers to a former player I am guessing this is Kloos. Here is a write up on Kloos from SB Nation:

"Kloos has put together four excellent seasons at the University of Minnesota, including serving as team captain for the past two years. Kloos has above-average speed and good offensive skill. He has the patience and vision to make the extra pass in the offensive zone, and good finishing ability. He’s a strong character player that works hard and frequently comes up big in big moments. There’s a lot to like about him, and impossible to argue with what he’s accomplished at the college level.

The problem is that Kloos has always been a bit of a tweener as an NHL prospect. He’s probably not quite skilled enough to play a top-six scoring role at the NHL level, and not quite big enough to play a physical checking line role. That said, someone with his track record will likely get an opportunity with an NHL contract with somebody, and it seems like it would be a mistake to bet against him contributing somehow in the NHL."

 

[Trxjw]

This tweet is from a local Minneapolis reporter.

Darren Wolfson‏Verified account @DWolfsonKSTP 8h8 hours ago
More
Darren Wolfson Retweeted NHL on NBC
Hear Jake Bischoff closing in on a deal w/ the Islanders and another former #Gophers hockey player to NY w/ the Rangers (it's a done deal).

Per my previous messages the two obvious players are senior Justin Kloos and sophomore Tyler Sheehy. Since the tweet refers to a former player I am guessing this is Kloos. Here is a write up on Kloos from SB Nation:

"Kloos has put together four excellent seasons at the University of Minnesota, including serving as team captain for the past two years. Kloos has above-average speed and good offensive skill. He has the patience and vision to make the extra pass in the offensive zone, and good finishing ability. He’s a strong character player that works hard and frequently comes up big in big moments. There’s a lot to like about him, and impossible to argue with what he’s accomplished at the college level.

The problem is that Kloos has always been a bit of a tweener as an NHL prospect. He’s probably not quite skilled enough to play a top-six scoring role at the NHL level, and not quite big enough to play a physical checking line role. That said, someone with his track record will likely get an opportunity with an NHL contract with somebody, and it seems like it would be a mistake to bet against him contributing somehow in the NHL."

Well with the context of his tweet, it seems like he's referencing Lettieri signing with the Rangers. Though he words it strangely and could be implying there's another signing to come.

He says the Sharks and Minny are supposedly in on Kloos.

 

[glees68]

30 points this season, and he was All-Big Ten Second Team 2016 and All-Big Ten Freshman Team 2016 last year, his freshman year.

Onward State is run by students, but I'd say they're pretty legit.

Edit: Here's confirmation:

 

[Revel]

Well with the context of his tweet, it seems like he's referencing Lettieri signing with the Rangers. Though he words it strangely and could be implying there's another signing to come.

He says the Sharks and Minny are supposedly in on Kloos.

Yep. This Wolfson guy was referencing Lettieri. Nothing to see here for Rangers fans.

 

[glees68]

Well with the context of his tweet, it seems like he's referencing Lettieri signing with the Rangers. Though he words it strangely and could be implying there's another signing to come.

He says the Sharks and Minny are supposedly in on Kloos.

Yep. This Wolfson guy was referencing Lettieri. Nothing to see here for Rangers fans.

I had a mini tweet-versation with him earlier starting with this tweet:

Judging by that, I think he means another player altogether.

 

[Revel]

[collapse=11110[quote="glees68, post: 130022685"]

30 points this season, and he was All-Big Ten Second Team 2016 and All-Big Ten Freshman Team 2016 last year, his freshman year.

Onward State is run by students, but I'd say they're pretty legit.

Edit: Here's confirmation:
[/QUOTE][/collapse]

Another Lefty D. ~sigh~

 

[Trxjw]

I had a mini tweet-versation with him earlier starting with this tweet:

Judging by that, I think he means another player altogether.

Hm. I guess we'll see what happens then.

Still holding out hope for Gross and/or Pionk but it's good to see the Rangers signing a few guys.

 

[Revel]

I had a mini tweet-versation with him earlier starting with this tweet:

Judging by that, I think he means another player altogether.

I don't think he knows what he means. Confusing messages.

 

[glees68]

I don't think he knows what he means. Confusing messages.

Also a good possibility Guess we'll just have to wait and see.