Draft 2022 NHL Draft and Undrafted Free Agents Thread

[B17 Apricots]

There is some value to be had with our RFAs.

Gauthier: 3rd
Hájek: 5th
Kravtsov: late 1st/early 2nd

Maybe even Hunt for a 3rd or 4th rounder who is signed for another year.

Georgiev won't be RFA because they need to give him a 2.65m QO to retain his rights.

Húska, Letunov and Merkley are Group 6 UFA

With the influx of new centers in Henriksson, Rydahl, Korczak, Edström and Rempe, it's interesting to see what the team does with Khodorenko and Richards. 2 players who have some upside but they don't seem to be given the trust of the coaching staff and I wouldn't be surprised if 1 or even both are moving to different teams this summer. Not sure that'll be in a trade or as a free agent.

Definitely don't anticipate them qualifying Georgiev but I would expect them to shop him at the draft. Teams are always looking for goalies, think it's a safe bet some team would be willing to bring him in for a mid to late round pick. We won't qualify him but a team that acquires him at the draft still can

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Definitely don't anticipate them qualifying Georgiev but I would expect them to shop him at the draft. Teams are always looking for goalies, think it's a safe bet some team would be willing to bring him in for a mid to late round pick. We won't qualify him but a team that acquires him at the draft still can

The deadline for qualifying offers is prior to the draft. I don't really see it happening. If we get a pick, it'll be a 7th like we gave up for Goodrow. For UFA rights.

 

[B17 Apricots]

The deadline for qualifying offers is prior to the draft. I don't really see it happening. If we get a pick, it'll be a 7th like we gave up for Goodrow. For UFA rights.

Cross Georgiev off

 

[GENESISPuck94]

I don't know who, but get me a defensive center who can fly, wins faceoffs, and can anchor the 4th line.

A Dominic Moore type.

Is that worthy of a 1st or 2nd round pick? Yes, IMO, where the franchise is at right now.

 

[bobbop]

Don’t be so sure that Georgiev has no value. He’s had some really good streaks where he has played regularly and half of the league will be looking for a goaltender. A team may be willing to trade for his rights rather than getting into a bidding contest. I can see him bringing back a third.

Strome’s rights could also land a mid round pick.

 

[McRanger92]

Don’t be so sure that Georgiev has no value. He’s had some really good streaks where he has played regularly and half of the league will be looking for a goaltender. A team may be willing to trade for his rights rather than getting into a bidding contest. I can see him bringing back a third.

Strome’s rights could also land a mid round pick.

Id take a 3rd and agree that hes had good stretches but hes a soft goal machine and often at the worst possible time (Exhibit A: Heinen's goal in G3). I think its more likely he isn't qualified. Hope you're right

 

[QJL]

I don't know who, but get me a defensive center who can fly, wins faceoffs, and can anchor the 4th line.

A Dominic Moore type.

Is that worthy of a 1st or 2nd round pick? Yes, IMO, where the franchise is at right now.

Owen Beck seems the most likely pick who meets that description in that range. He’s fantastic on the draw and one of the best defensive forwards in the draft.

This scouting report is accurate: Scouting Report: Owen Beck - Smaht Scouting

 

[Ola]

I want the best fighter. Someone that can replace Reeves. Who fits the billl?

 

[NYRFANMANI]

I want the best fighter. Someone that can replace Reeves. Who fits the billl?

I'm intrigued, how to start looking for that?! Easiest way I can think of is PIM, but we wan't majors and that's tricky, since I'm not a subscriber. xD

Interestingly enough, Gaucher has the most PIM of the class.

---------------------------

Assuming we have a first and 2nd this year.

1st rd pick: is wide open, big pool to choose from.

2nd rd target: Rieger Lorenz!

 

[GENESISPuck94]

Nathan Gaucher — 2022 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Nathan Gaucher is a draft eligible prospect expected to go somewhere in the 20-40 range in the draft. Here is his draft profile.

thehockeywriters.com

Ok, everything I'm reading and seeing, this is the exact kind of player I want the Rangers to draft. Someone who can anchor the 4th line for a long time. Kill penalties. Grind the opponent. Win faceoffs.

Seems realistic we can be in a spot to draft him.

Owen Beck seems the most likely pick who meets that description in that range. He’s fantastic on the draw and one of the best defensive forwards in the draft.

This scouting report is accurate: Scouting Report: Owen Beck - Smaht Scouting

Ok! That's another. Thank you.

 

[McRanger92]

I want the best fighter. Someone that can replace Reeves. Who fits the billl?

Will Cuylle, we'll see him get at least a cup of coffee next year

 

[bhamill]

Will Cuylle, we'll see him get at least a cup of coffee next year

Was gonna say this.
I find myself agreeing with you an AWFUL LOT lately. You may want to get checked out. Hahaha.

 

[McRanger92]

Was gonna say this.
I find myself agreeing with you an AWFUL LOT lately. You may want to get checked out. Hahaha.

Great minds, as they say

 

[RangersFan1994]

If all you're going for with Krav is a late 1st early 2nd, why bother? He's got a lot of upside, way more than typical for that draft position on top of the fact he should be an NHL ready and cost controlled player. At this point roll the dice with him on the NYR roster unless you are getting something comparable... And yes, I understand no one may be willing to offer that... so just KEEP him.

But we know that Kravtsov does not want to be here, don’t need that attitude., look what happened with Andersson said he was bullied or whatever BS or Lemieux did not wanna be here and look he is not in the playoffs anymore.

 

[B17 Apricots]

Gotta hope we go as far as possible but if we have a first this year, depending on who's still on the board, there's a few names this year I'd be fine using Lundkvist to move up in the 1st for

 

[nyrage]

I didn't see this posted, but Pronman did a mock in the Athletic today fwiw

26. New York Rangers: Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgarden-Sweden Jr.

Ostlund may be the prospect with the largest variance among teams right now. I’ve talked to scouts who think he’s a top 15 pick and some who don’t see him as a day 1 pick. The Rangers have a lot of good young players coming, but a center is their one glaring need in the system. Ostlund would provide skill, speed and compete down the middle even if he lacks size.

 

[Savant]

I am not a big Ostlund fan

 

[bhamill]

But we know that Kravtsov does not want to be here, don’t need that attitude., look what happened with Andersson said he was bullied or whatever BS or Lemieux did not wanna be here and look he is not in the playoffs anymore.

Sorry but nope. You DON’T know that and Anderson and Lemieux had nowhere near the potential that Krav has. And what does those two not wanting to be here have to do with it. I can easily say we KNOW Krav wants to be here because Lafreniere and Kakko want to be here. It’s non logic. Or we can just go by what Krav actually said, which was that he wants to be here.

 

[RangersFan1994]

Sorry but nope. You DON’T know that and Anderson and Lemieux had nowhere near the potential that Krav has. And what does those two not wanting to be here have to do with it. I can easily say we KNOW Krav wants to be here because Lafreniere and Kakko want to be here. It’s non logic. Or we can just go by what Krav actually said, which was that he wants to be here.

If that was the case, should have stayed in the AHL. He would have been here and most likely in the playoffs. He had that stupid clause which I think players should not have. You put in the work in the AHL if the team feels you need it. If your job says you have to go a certain location you can’t say no because you don’t feel you’ll benefit from it. We had players on the team to help and especially when he is a top prospect, act lIke you appreciate that you are at the NHL/AHL hockey. Spoiled brat. did Lundkvist go back to Sweden? Did Chytil? They were willing to work in the AHL. It is about attitude. Why couldn’t Kravtsov stick it in the AHL? Sorry he does not deserve special treatment

 

[The Crypto Guy]

I didn't see this posted, but Pronman did a mock in the Athletic today fwiw

26. New York Rangers: Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgarden-Sweden Jr.

Ostlund may be the prospect with the largest variance among teams right now. I’ve talked to scouts who think he’s a top 15 pick and some who don’t see him as a day 1 pick. The Rangers have a lot of good young players coming, but a center is their one glaring need in the system. Ostlund would provide skill, speed and compete down the middle even if he lacks size.

No thank you.

 

[QJL]

I didn't see this posted, but Pronman did a mock in the Athletic today fwiw

26. New York Rangers: Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgarden-Sweden Jr.

Ostlund may be the prospect with the largest variance among teams right now. I’ve talked to scouts who think he’s a top 15 pick and some who don’t see him as a day 1 pick. The Rangers have a lot of good young players coming, but a center is their one glaring need in the system. Ostlund would provide skill, speed and compete down the middle even if he lacks size.

Yes please. He’s on the smaller side but he has the best engine of any center in the draft. Extremely hard worker who dominates puck battles, can play the boards, is sound defensively, and has fantastic vision. #16 on my list.

 

[Ola]

I'm intrigued, how to start looking for that?! Easiest way I can think of is PIM, but we wan't majors and that's tricky, since I'm not a subscriber. xD

Interestingly enough, Gaucher has the most PIM of the class.

---------------------------

Assuming we have a first and 2nd this year.

1st rd pick: is wide open, big pool to choose from.

2nd rd target: Rieger Lorenz!

Haha, there is definitely a business opportunity here to exploit. Do ‘Suspended for leaving the bench to fight/60’ and so forth.

 

[GAGLine]

Gaucher is a pretty underwhelming prospect, and I’d be frustrated he ended up being our pick. There’s really no excuse to not take whichever of the USNTDP kids are still available, and I’d even move up to nab one.

I get that Gaucher was playing more of a secondary role behind Bolduc, but his best attributes are really just being big and being able to outman smaller juniors defenders. I don’t see enough skill to make him anything more than a depth player.

A kid like McGroarty has plus skills across the board in everything outside skating, but he knows how to make that work for him and utilize his skills to beat defenders in small areas of the ice. If they want size, I’d rather have the player like that.

Everyone questioned Lundell's offense and he's doing pretty well so far. Same with Holloway, who then proceeded to tear it up in college. He had the injury, so the jury is still out, but he's a guy a lot of Ranger fans would love to have.

I see Gaucher in a similar vein. I think his offense is underrated. His offense doesn't come from the perimeter. He's a big, physical, defensively responsible player who drives the net and stays there.

Nathan Gaucher — 2022 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Nathan Gaucher is a draft eligible prospect expected to go somewhere in the 20-40 range in the draft. Here is his draft profile.

thehockeywriters.com

At 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, he’s a menacing force through the middle and uses his size very well. He plays a mean brand of hockey and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around. Offensively, he plays a power game, routinely dropping his shoulder and forcing his way to the net while also dominating below the circles and along the boards. The one elite skill he possesses offensively is his net-front play. Drawing comparisons to New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider, Gaucher does a lot of his scoring in front. Not only does he dominate this area physically, but he also shows good awareness and an ability to ghost away from defenders, opening himself up to receive a pass. He also shows good hands in these areas and an ability to finish chances and tip pucks.

Even if his ceiling is a 2nd line, 60 point center, his offense will translate well, especially in the playoffs.

Do we want the guy who is going to score the most points in the regular season, or do we want the guy who is going to help us win a cup?

 

[bhamill]

If that was the case, should have stayed in the AHL. He would have been here and most likely in the playoffs. He had that stupid clause which I think players should not have. You put in the work in the AHL if the team feels you need it. If your job says you have to go a certain location you can’t say no because you don’t feel you’ll benefit from it. We had players on the team to help and especially when he is a top prospect, act lIke you appreciate that you are at the NHL/AHL hockey. Spoiled brat. did Lundkvist go back to Sweden? Did Chytil? They were willing to work in the AHL. It is about attitude. Why couldn’t Kravtsov stick it in the AHL? Sorry he does not deserve special treatment

That’s all well and good but doesn’t mean he can’t and won’t excel here. LIKE HE SAYS HE WANTS TO. Look at Puljuvari (spelled wrong I’m sure) in EDM.
Bottom line is you don’t have a crystal ball and I don’t trust your mind reading abilities. All you are doing is guessing, as I said you DONT KNOW.
The other bottom line is if ALL we can presently get for him is is a late first early second, we may as roll the dice on him. Selling low is a suckers game, especially when there is very significant upside.

 

[Mac n Gs]

Everyone questioned Lundell's offense and he's doing pretty well so far. Same with Holloway, who then proceeded to tear it up in college. He had the injury, so the jury is still out, but he's a guy a lot of Ranger fans would love to have.

I see Gaucher in a similar vein. I think his offense is underrated. His offense doesn't come from the perimeter. He's a big, physical, defensively responsible player who drives the net and stays there.

Nathan Gaucher — 2022 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Nathan Gaucher is a draft eligible prospect expected to go somewhere in the 20-40 range in the draft. Here is his draft profile.

thehockeywriters.com

Even if his ceiling is a 2nd line, 60 point center, his offense will translate well, especially in the playoffs.

Do we want the guy who is going to score the most points in the regular season, or do we want the guy who is going to help us win a cup?

That's fair, and we can agree to disagree on this. If they pick Gaucher, I'm obviously going to root for him and hope for his success. I've seen him play multiple times, and while he's good at utilizing his size to get inside on defenders, I was consistently disappointed with his tunnel vision and poor ability to set up plays for his teammates. A lot of his play struck me as him skating around a lot with the puck rather than being a part of a cohesive attack, which is why I'm pretty skeptical of your projected ceiling for him. Plus, the regular season/playoffs thing is completely hypothetical on his part. The players that have offense translate well in the playoffs are usually the same players that have it translate well in the regular season.

If you're hoping for a player in that mold,I think it would suit them better to target a C like Owen Beck who has a strong lower-base, really solid skating skills, a high defensive acumen. There's a very defined path for him to the NHL, and he can be developed into the mold of an offensive 2C or a matchup 3C. Teams are winning with speed up the middle and the ability to pressure the puck all over the ice, and I think he fits nicely into that mold. Jack Hughes is similar too; Connor Geekie too, but you'd need to move up a bit for him.