Prospect Info: 2023-2024 Rangers Prospects Thread (Prospect Stats in Post #1; Updated 05.22.2024)

[NYR Viper]

Yeah, cut by a skate blade and severed a tendon iirc.

I'd like to see both him and Laba go pro after this year.

I'd honestly prefer to see them both back for another year in NCAA. Why do you feel the desire to pull them early? Both would have just finished their sophomore seasons.

I'd prefer to see them both return and put up close to, or exceed a ppg before pulling them afte their junior season. I really like both players too.

 

[bhamill]

Rempe is a possibility as well. Maybe BMB and Chmelar. I think Drury has done pretty well in the later rounds, but it remains to be seen how many actually make it.

Yeah Drury’s first draft was 2021 it’s not unusual for 1st rounders to not be NHLers yet in their D+3, never mind mid or late rounders. I agree there s a good number of potential NHLers in the pipeline. I would not be surprised if we have a few eventually graduate. Berard and Edstrom maybe as early as next season.

 

[cwede]

I'd like to see both him and Laba go pro after this year.

I'd honestly prefer to see them both back for another year in NCAA.

i agree w Viper,
to me, no compelling reason to turn these 2 pro after sophomore season, (or Gabe after just 1)

i like idea of 'spreading out' the forward pipeline, NYR have
3 F's who are 2nd year NA pros (draftees Rempe, Henriksson, also Trivigno) and
5 drafted F's who are rookie NA pro's (Othmann, Edstrom, Sykora, Berard, Korczak)
and BMB signed to play pro in '24, for next season, and maybe signing Barbashev, maybe even Karpa

then in fall'25, some of Laba, Chmelar, Gabe, Vaisenen, Roobroeck, Karpa (if not '24)

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I'd honestly prefer to see them both back for another year in NCAA. Why do you feel the desire to pull them early? Both would have just finished their sophomore seasons.

I'd prefer to see them both return and put up close to, or exceed a ppg before pulling them afte their junior season. I really like both players too.

They're both Junior aged and I don't think the PPG production is really necessary (as far as close to goes, thats what they're doing now.) They aren't offensive players at the next level. They've got some ability (Laba's skill is underrated) and I'd rather see them get into a pro system and further hone the skills that are going to get them to the show.

We need cheap bottom 6 options. I'd rather have young guys who can do it than veterans who just can't keep up anymore. Laba would need some time but I don't think Chmelar is that far away.

 

[NYR Viper]

They're both Junior aged and I don't think the PPG production is really necessary (as far as close to goes, thats what they're doing now.) They aren't offensive players at the next level. They've got some ability (Laba's skill is underrated) and I'd rather see them get into a pro system and further hone the skills that are going to get them to the show.

We need cheap bottom 6 options. I'd rather have young guys who can do it than veterans who just can't keep up anymore. Laba would need some time but I don't think Chmelar is that far away.

I think if we're looking forward, we have Cuylle this year, likely we have Edstrom, Berard and maybe Othmann next year pushing for spots. I'd say Edstrom and Berard are bottom-6 options, Othmann may be top-6, not sure yet.

My hope for both Laba and Chmelar is to get in on that next wave, probably including Sykora and maybe BMB if he can continue developing. My hope is that 2 of these guys make it eventually out of Sykora, BMB, Chmelar and Laba (I'd throw in Lamb here too as I like him).

I'm always hesitant to bring in 20-21 year olds and play them in the bottom-6 in the AHL rather than playing top-6 minutes in the NCAA for their entire season and then finishing the season on ATO's for 10-15 games. I think that's a better development path for them.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I think if we're looking forward, we have Cuylle this year, likely we have Edstrom, Berard and maybe Othmann next year pushing for spots. I'd say Edstrom and Berard are bottom-6 options, Othmann may be top-6, not sure yet.

My hope for both Laba and Chmelar is to get in on that next wave, probably including Sykora and maybe BMB if he can continue developing. My hope is that 2 of these guys make it eventually out of Sykora, BMB, Chmelar and Laba (I'd throw in Lamb here too as I like him).

I'm always hesitant to bring in 20-21 year olds and play them in the bottom-6 in the AHL rather than playing top-6 minutes in the NCAA for their entire season and then finishing the season on ATO's for 10-15 games. I think that's a better development path for them.

Why can’t they play top 6 in the AHL?

The spots will be there.

 

[NYR Viper]

Why can’t they play top 6 in the AHL?

The spots will be there.

I just don't see it. I am assuming Brodzinski will be back. Nash, Belzile and Lesch will be there. Berard, Othmann and Edstrom, lets assume 1 of them are still in Hartford of the 3. Sykora. BMB. Korczak. Rempe. Blidh.

Will the Rangers give up on Henriksson?

So here's my assumption on a roster:

Sykora-Brodzinski-Belzile
Edstrom-BMB-Nash
Lesch-Korczak-Rempe
Blidh-______-_______

Maybe they could push Korczak or Rempe down but that's not a lot of open spots and this assumes no college UFA is signed at the end of this season and Berard and Othmann are both in NY to start the season.

 

[RangersFan1994]

I just don't see it. I am assuming Brodzinski will be back. Nash, Belzile and Lesch will be there. Berard, Othmann and Edstrom, lets assume 1 of them are still in Hartford of the 3. Sykora. BMB. Korczak. Rempe. Blidh.

Will the Rangers give up on Henriksson?

So here's my assumption on a roster:

Sykora-Brodzinski-Belzile
Edstrom-BMB-Nash
Lesch-Korczak-Rempe
Blidh-______-_______

Maybe they could push Korczak or Rempe down but that's not a lot of open spots and this assumes no college UFA is signed at the end of this season and Berard and Othmann are both in NY to start the season.

Korczak needs to be top 6. He reminds me of Derick Brassard in that aspect. Rempe I like has a player. He has to play center in the NHL. Knowing the Rangers they will start him on LW because more LW makes sense for them to do that

 

[cwede]

news report - Pajuniemi leaving SHL for Swiss league

BUT the translated last line has me wondering when ..
"..After the season, Pajuniemi then leaves for games in Lausanne"

[interesting to see some old friends' names associated with Lausanne - Peter Andersson, and Ahti Oksanen]

Avslöjar: Nya bakslaget för Malmö – tappar även Pajuniemi

Det blir ett dubbelt bakslag för Malmö, som tappar ännu en av sina stjärnor. Lauri Pajuniemi följer nämligen samma väg som sin lagkompis Janne Kuokkanen och är även han klar för spel i Lausanne, enligt Expressens källor.

www.expressen.se

[Google Transalte output below]
Pajuniemi follows the Kuokkanen to Switzerland

"It will be a double setback for Malmö, which loses another of its stars.
Lauri Pajuniemi follows the same path as his teammate Janne Kuokkanen and he is also ready for games in Lausanne, according to Expressen's sources."

In recent matches, Malmö Redhawks have been desperately hard to score.
At the same time as Janne Kuokkanen and Lauri Pajuniemi were missing due to injury, or suspension, the team has been completely zeroed forward in the target column.
Expressen has previously stated that Janne Kuokkanen leaves for games in Switzerland.
New club for Kuokkanen will be Lausanne.
According to sources, Lauri Pajuniemi will also join that club.
Lausanne, who formerly has Malmö coach Peter Andersson, as one of his coaches ( assistant ) will thus build a chain with Kuokkanen and Pajuniemi, and also a ” Oskarshamnskedja ” with Antti Suomela and Ahti Oksanen.
Earlier in the evening, Expressen was able to tell you that Oksanen is ready for Lausanne.
Recovered this summer
Lauri Pajuniemi has during her time in Malmö produced 20 points in 30 matches, divided into nine goals and eleven assists. He was picked up from the New York Rangers organization and has left a strong impression with his rich play, his passion and decent score production.
For the important away match against HV71, he is again in play for his Malmö, which has had a great manfall lately.
After the season, Pajuniemi then leaves for games in Lausanne, which invests heavily on players with SHL experience.

 

[Ranger Ric]

Hank Kempf humanitarian award nomination

Kempf Nominated for 2024 Hockey Humanitarian Award - Cornell University Athletics

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

news report - Pajuniemi leaving SHL for Swiss league

BUT the translated last line has me wondering when ..
"..After the season, Pajuniemi then leaves for games in Lausanne"

[interesting to see some old friends' names associated with Lausanne - Peter Andersson, and Ahti Oksanen]

Avslöjar: Nya bakslaget för Malmö – tappar även Pajuniemi

Det blir ett dubbelt bakslag för Malmö, som tappar ännu en av sina stjärnor. Lauri Pajuniemi följer nämligen samma väg som sin lagkompis Janne Kuokkanen och är även han klar för spel i Lausanne, enligt Expressens källor.

www.expressen.se

[Google Transalte output below]
Pajuniemi follows the Kuokkanen to Switzerland

"It will be a double setback for Malmö, which loses another of its stars.
Lauri Pajuniemi follows the same path as his teammate Janne Kuokkanen and he is also ready for games in Lausanne, according to Expressen's sources."

In recent matches, Malmö Redhawks have been desperately hard to score.
At the same time as Janne Kuokkanen and Lauri Pajuniemi were missing due to injury, or suspension, the team has been completely zeroed forward in the target column.
Expressen has previously stated that Janne Kuokkanen leaves for games in Switzerland.
New club for Kuokkanen will be Lausanne.
According to sources, Lauri Pajuniemi will also join that club.
Lausanne, who formerly has Malmö coach Peter Andersson, as one of his coaches ( assistant ) will thus build a chain with Kuokkanen and Pajuniemi, and also a ” Oskarshamnskedja ” with Antti Suomela and Ahti Oksanen.
Earlier in the evening, Expressen was able to tell you that Oksanen is ready for Lausanne.
Recovered this summer
Lauri Pajuniemi has during her time in Malmö produced 20 points in 30 matches, divided into nine goals and eleven assists. He was picked up from the New York Rangers organization and has left a strong impression with his rich play, his passion and decent score production.
For the important away match against HV71, he is again in play for his Malmö, which has had a great manfall lately.
After the season, Pajuniemi then leaves for games in Lausanne, which invests heavily on players with SHL experience.

Örebro HK, Pajuniemi's current team, is not making the play-offs in Sweden. Lausanne most likely will in Switzerland. Pajuniemi will most likely finish his SHL season around the same time the NL play-offs start.

 

[cwede]

Örebro HK, Pajuniemi's current team, is not making the play-offs in Sweden. Lausanne most likely will in Switzerland. Pajuniemi will most likely finish his SHL season around the same time the NL play-offs start.

thanks
so (some) Euro leagues have loose rules about adding brand new guys for playoffs?

 

[eco's bones]

Korczak needs to be top 6. He reminds me of Derick Brassard in that aspect. Rempe I like has a player. He has to play center in the NHL. Knowing the Rangers they will start him on LW because more LW makes sense for them to do that

If Rempe makes the NHL it will be as a wing. Edstrom is way more likely to be a center or get more center time than Rempe. For one he's a better and smoother skater. He was also groomed for being a checking forward at pretty much all positions playing in the SHL which he did for 4 years before he came over.

Part of why Rempe will make it (if he does) is to be an enforcer. His skating has improved quite a lot since he was drafted but he's not on Edstrom's level.....and his play away from the puck isn't either. Those things also argue for him moving to the wing.

Korczak is having a pretty decent first year as a pro. He's made the jump to the AHL okay but he's not what I would call a serious NHL prospect.....or at least not yet. He'll come back to Hartford next year and when he does he'll need to grow off of this season and show that he deserves a larger role. Of the kids in Hartford Othmann, Edstrom, Sykora and Berard are easily the best right now. Keeping in mind I wouldn't expect a good NHL team to break in more than two young players a year.

 

[cwede]

... Korczak is having a pretty decent first year as a pro. He's made the jump to the AHL okay but he's not what I would call a serious NHL prospect.....

i am not as confident predicting who is or isn't likely to make it
it did catch my attention how much smaller Ryder is than his slightly older D-man brother Kaedan, who we saw w VGK last night

Korczak has had good success at WHL level,
he was drafted higher than Berard, Edstrom, Chmelar for a reason ...
smaller guys who can take the heat, and have some skill, are again finding their niche in NHL,

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

thanks
so (some) Euro leagues have loose rules about adding brand new guys for playoffs?

Yeah. Trade deadlines aren't necessarily a thing in other leagues. They exist in some, but certainly not all.

i am not as confident predicting who is or isn't likely to make it
it did catch my attention how much smaller Ryder is than his slightly older D-man brother Kaedan, who we saw w VGK last night

Korczak has had good success at WHL level,
he was drafted higher than Berard, Edstrom, Chmelar for a reason ...
smaller guys who can take the heat, and have some skill, are again finding their niche in NHL,

The league is certainly changing, with more and more small players finding ways to succeed in the NHL. Size is less and less a defining characteristic when drafting, and more seen as a tiebreaker when prospects are on equal footing (no pun intended)

 

[Matt Rentfree]

Gabe with a nifty primary assist on the PP. BC up 3-2.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

1+1 for Laba yesterday in a 2-1 win.

 

[GAGLine]

Laba had a goal on 5 shots in a 4-2 win. 11 out of 16 on faceoffs.

Lamb had a goal and an assist on 3 shots in a 6-3 win.

 

[Mugless]

 

[bhamill]

This kid is a goddamned wizard.

 

[2014nyr]

This kid is a goddamned wizard.

the mittens are pure silk. the weighting on his passes and handles in alone on goal are filthy. also a great example of why the skating concerns are so dumb. you dont extend that much to pull in a pass and immediately recover without losing speed or the balance to shift your weight on your edges at that speed with full body and puck control if you have skating issues. does he need to continue to get stronger in his core/lower body? of course. are there any concerns about his skating fundamentally? not for anyone that knows what they're looking at.

 

[RempireStateBuilding]

the mittens are pure silk. the weighting on his passes and handles in alone on goal are filthy. also a great example of why the skating concerns are so dumb. you dont extend that much to pull in a pass and immediately recover without losing speed or the balance to shift your weight on your edges at that speed with full body and puck control if you have skating issues. does he need to continue to get stronger in his core/lower body? of course. are there any concerns about his skating fundamentally? not for anyone that knows what they're looking at.

First thought was that his recovery and control of himself+the puck after corralling the pass was impressive.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

laba with another OT winner.



i feel like every goal he scores comes with almost killing the goalie included.

 

[RangersFan1994]

laba with another OT winner.



i feel like every goal he scores comes with almost killing the goalie included.

Will he get signed this summer and go to Hartford? Rangers better put him as a center and not on the wing especially when center depth is an issue. Such a stupid organization

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Will he get signed this summer and go to Hartford? Rangers better put him as a center and not on the wing especially when center depth is an issue. Such a stupid organization

His NHL rights expire in 2026. No need to rush him.