From what I’ve heard, Sanderson is the likely pick. I’d be very happy with that. Said earlier they really like Andrae too. I’d be very surprised if our first pick was a forward. Have no idea what they do with the 2nd first pick but I believe they added it in case a trade pops up and they wanted to clear Skjei’s salary before everyone realized he isn’t a promising young D anymore. Would love Dawson Mercer/Connor Zary if we don’t go D. With the 2nd first pick, if we make the pick it’ll be for someone who projects to be a great 3rd liner. Off the top of my head, someone like Jake Neighbours.
Can anyone tell me more about the top D in this class? Drysdale I don’t care for as there’s no way he’s a Ranger. Sanderson I already know a lot of, incredible stick work defensively and a very good skater. After that I really like Alex? Nikishin who’s like Zadorov. I’m not too sure how the order is for the next 5 or so Dmen bc I haven’t been keeping up with this class. If anyone wants to tell me more about good targets for the 2nd pick I’m willing to listen as well. Need to start catching up
Seem to be new on the boards, so welcome aboard and thanks for your insight!!
Nikishin is okay, he's played a fair amount of KHL games this year, but not much else. Still a ways to go. Don't think the offense is there, yet at least. Needs to work on the defensive game a little more. Definitely encouraging he's playing in the KHL/VHL as a 1st year eligible.
First I'm hearing of them liking Andrae, you have a source or link that shares this? Please let us know. I like the player, but I wouldn't snag him in the 1st round and think he'll end up going in the 2nd, where the Rangers don't have a pick, currently.
There have been rumors of them being the team that's incredibly high on Sanderson (hints from Bob McKenzie and such), to much dislike by many on here. But if they feel he is the best at their first pick, it's hard not to fault them. Only time will tell on development.
I think NYR should go center at their first pick, if they could grab one of the many high potential ones that's slated to go early. There is a lack of depth at that position and with the flourish of defense in the system it certainly doesn't hurt to add forwards. They'll be competing soon so they need depth at all positions. Defense and goaltending is looking good.
As for the top defenders, Drysdale is the best by far and could go top 5. Schneider is the next best, IMO, followed by Niemela. Both I think could go mid-late teens. After that is a cluster of Sanderson, Viro, Kuznetsov, Mukhamadullin, Wallinder. The rest can go anywhere, even that cluster could fall or rise, depending.
I think good targets for the 2nd pick, depends on how the rest of the draft plays out. Mysak is one I hope they gamble on. There is also Schneider and the German forwards Reichel/Peterka. Jarvis is a good get, too. Depending where Gunler ends up he would be the best option, but there is an obvious amount of questions on his off-ice demeanor and play with others.
