NHL Entry Draft: 2026 NHL Draft, June 26 7pm ET: Rangers with 5th pick after Lottery

[eco's bones]

Why is malhotra in front of bjorck? I know he had a great post season success and late riser but what makes him better than bjorck or one of these defensive players that we have to have him at 5?

I saw someone posted earlier that the rangers are going to take malhotra if he is there

If Malhotra were to somehow make it to No. 5, he’d be the clear favorite for the Rangers, who we’ve heard are high on the Boston University commit. @Filip Chytil

There's a decent chance that Bjorck turns out the better of the two but there's also a decent chance that Malhotra is better. They're both teenagers and a lot will depend on opportunities that either might get and the development they make in the coming years.

My guess is Malhotra will be picked either by San Jose at 2 or Vancouver at 3. I doubt he gets past Vancouver. Bjorck might go as high as 4 but I think he's taken by 7. For those Rangers fans hoping to get Florida's 9 in hopes that Bjorck will be there....that's too much hope. I don't think he will be still on board at that point.

If Malhotra is still somehow on board when the Rangers pick at 5 it's probably because both Reid and Carels (longer shot Smits) are off the board---so then it might come down to a choice for us of Malhotra, Bjorck or Smits. I think the Rangers most likely to take Malhotra if that happens but they'd all be great picks IMO. We need help at both C and D.

 

[Chalfdiggity3]

Thank you both. I appreciate the insight. Just want to make sure I would be happy with either.

 

[Veaktore Vitto]

So Smits really the preferred D after Reid ?

 

[Mandar]

whether or not they listen to bern and do this b'c they should b'c it makes sense, or they continue to not listen and stay on a path to failure,
IS IRRELEVANT
I will post it morning noon and nighty nite nite
until they give up

"nighty nite night night"

Ladies and gentlemen……presenting the definition of insanity for your viewing pleasure.


Spurn the Bern(ard).

 

[bernmeister]

The US should start paying down its debt and stop spending like a drunken sailor but it's not going to happen.

Yes Bern, you can propose whatever trade you wish but at a certain point it just becomes theater.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, truth prevails over all.
I posit that in the existing circumstances, generally my moves are the correct ones.
I will not succumb to R mgmt not doing the correct thing, so we all suffer, and then I gotta shut up and take it in silence?

bern does not bend buckle and break
I will complain until R mgmt gets it right.

btw, can we just have an honest moment on one item?
OBJECTIVELY
regardless of Igor being productive for $$$$$$$$$$$$
while Garand is not up to elite/NHL best, he is solid ++ as I said he would be.
You can't trade Garand and get max value b'c he does not have extensive track record
Shesty howev brings back a haul
We need to pay for our sins w/da rentals
We need to sell the vets
I don't give a flying or stationary fig about coaches + gms wanting to win now and continue w/moping in the middle while vets slowly decline

I AM correct.
The only smart thing to do is sell the vets
I should get paid for the theatre/entertainment value I provide,
but for now we will settle for the satisfaction of throwing it in R mgmt's face when they keep continuing epic fail

lwdb

when you were a small wee thing, and people asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, before baseball star, or football star, or astronaut, or even doctor or lawyer, did you respond crazy NHL general manager?

what I said was not relevant to yr ? and takes up a long philosophical discussion which is best for another time.

I met Joe Dimaggio as a kid.
Shook his hand, knew he was special, had that unique energy/charisma/persona about him.
I knew that at some level most of us have that, including me.
But I knew I was not gonna be a prof athlete, let alone a star.
Then later, I critiqued various moves for various teams.

I knew that my suggestions/vision [at least then] was arguably enough to be pro quality, so I knew I could also not just suggest positives, but also criticize negatives.
That's kind of the past history event you're looking for.

oh, and where do I get off with that^?
Got dig it up, but I have a highly complimentary ltr from Dave DeBuschere about suggestions for the Knicks back then.

Will dig it up, and share later.

 

[bernmeister]

Ladies and gentlemen……presenting the definition of insanity for your viewing pleasure.


Spurn the Bern(ard).

facts say otherwise, so attempt to smear insanity label is again an epic fail

also, you have not yet learned my name
forget your spurn

repudiation -> lwdb
spurn the spurn

 

[GoAwayRempe]

So Smits really the preferred D after Reid ?

I have Smits as the 3rd best guy out of that trio but I have time for the argument in favor of any of them.

Really depends on what you’re looking for/value.

 

[B17 Apricots]

A few thoughts..

There's a few players I'd be fine with at our top pick. Smits would be one of them. I've seen that Mo comparison... ceiling might be a Heiskanen sort of player. Him and Smits came out of Finland. And if you go back and look at some old Heiskanen scouting reports it's pretty damn similar...size and smooth skaters, strong defensively, solid puck ability. Questions about offensive upside. "May never QB a PP". Many of the reports had modestly put Heiskanen as a safe bet to be a top 4 defender. "Might not be a big offensive contributor". The first few years in the NHL he saw fairly modest production. In his 5th year he jumped to +70 points. Klingberg's last year in Dallas was the season prior. Heiskanen got the bump in PP usage and had 34 points on the powerplay. But for Smits, I'd say the offensive instincts are there, we'll see how far that can grow... he did slightly outproduce Heiskanen in his draft year, so make of that how you will. And the 5 junior games he played this season he scored 10 points.

Next years draft is supposed to be loaded on centers. I'm not particularly interested in grabbing one for the sake of getting a center this draft. Don't like Malhotra at 5. Bjorck is a bit more appealing. The kid broke junior scoring records. But he's a real wild card at this point. To me, I just can't really justify passing up potential top pairing defenders for maybe a Dylan Cozens sort of player in Caleb and a complete wildcard in Bjorck.

I tried to watch a bit more of the Q this year. I didn't get to see all their draft eligible players but I watched quite a few. Seems to be getting underrated a bit recently. And maybe deservedly so, they haven't put out much quality lately. Shilov is interesting though. I'm not surprised that his entry metrics are ridiculous. That was something that stood out to me. If he's approaching the blue line with the puck it was almost automatic that he'd keep possession. Impressive playmaking. BUT... he absolutely plays in one gear. When I first saw scouting reports about it I thought they were just making it bigger than it is. And maybe to some extent.. he's slow but he makes it work. It's certainly a knock against him but it doesn't completely limit his effectiveness. He can force everyone else to play his pace. The skill is way up there but that's the question mark for him... if he can't find another gear will he be able to do that at the pro level? Kind of reminds me of Stepan. His teammate Alexei Vlasov is interesting as well in the later rounds. Short kid but he put up +40 goals this year. Maybe like this years Justin Poirier? Carolina took him late in 2024, ppg in the NCAA this year. Doesn't necessarily mean anything but definitely trending the right way. I'll rarely knock gambling on skill. I've seen a little Tommy Bleyl this year, zero issues if we choose him with the second 1st. Overager Philippe Veilleux was 3rd in scoring last year in the Q... somehow goes undrafted. Finished 2nd this year. Two 40 goal seasons in a row. Worth a gamble in the later rounds. Oleg Kulebyakin is of a similar mold. He's a fun one. Largely boom or bust players you're gambling on their skill can translate to the pro levels. Not much risk when you're talking late round picks

 

[eco's bones]

So Smits really the preferred D after Reid ?

Carels probably is the second D off the board. Smits somewhat less likely to be the second but I'm not so sure that in the long run Smits won't be better or considered equal. Carels and Smits are LD. It wouldn't be a shock either if someone took Verhoeff over Carels or Smits though either. Not what I would do but Verhoeff is highly regarded and he's a western Canadian (and Vancouver 3rd pick, Calgary 6th pick) playing for a very highly regarded North Dakota U (thought of by at least some as a defenseman factory) as a 17 year old last year Chicago (4th pick kind of in the neighborhood--easy to scout for them).

There are a couple more sleeper defenseman who could easily land in the top 10---Daxon Rudolph a rather large guy who puts up big numbers and Malte Gustafsson a pretty large two way Swedish D who does everything pretty well.

 

[eco's bones]

A few thoughts..

There's a few players I'd be fine with at our top pick. Smits would be one of them. I've seen that Mo comparison... ceiling might be a Heiskanen sort of player. Him and Smits came out of Finland. And if you go back and look at some old Heiskanen scouting reports it's pretty damn similar...size and smooth skaters, strong defensively, solid puck ability. Questions about offensive upside. "May never QB a PP". Many of the reports had modestly put Heiskanen as a safe bet to be a top 4 defender. "Might not be a big offensive contributor". The first few years in the NHL he saw fairly modest production. In his 5th year he jumped to +70 points. Klingberg's last year in Dallas was the season prior. Heiskanen got the bump in PP usage and had 34 points on the powerplay. But for Smits, I'd say the offensive instincts are there, we'll see how far that can grow... he did slightly outproduce Heiskanen in his draft year, so make of that how you will. And the 5 junior games he played this season he scored 10 points.

Next years draft is supposed to be loaded on centers. I'm not particularly interested in grabbing one for the sake of getting a center this draft. Don't like Malhotra at 5. Bjorck is a bit more appealing. The kid broke junior scoring records. But he's a real wild card at this point. To me, I just can't really justify passing up potential top pairing defenders for maybe a Dylan Cozens sort of player in Caleb and a complete wildcard in Bjorck.

I tried to watch a bit more of the Q this year. I didn't get to see all their draft eligible players but I watched quite a few. Seems to be getting underrated a bit recently. And maybe deservedly so, they haven't put out much quality lately. Shilov is interesting though. I'm not surprised that his entry metrics are ridiculous. That was something that stood out to me. If he's approaching the blue line with the puck it was almost automatic that he'd keep possession. Impressive playmaking. BUT... he absolutely plays in one gear. When I first saw scouting reports about it I thought they were just making it bigger than it is. And maybe to some extent.. he's slow but he makes it work. It's certainly a knock against him but it doesn't completely limit his effectiveness. He can force everyone else to play his pace. The skill is way up there but that's the question mark for him... if he can't find another gear will he be able to do that at the pro level? Kind of reminds me of Stepan. His teammate Alexei Vlasov is interesting as well in the later rounds. Short kid but he put up +40 goals this year. Maybe like this years Justin Poirier? Carolina took him late in 2024, ppg in the NCAA this year. Doesn't necessarily mean anything but definitely trending the right way. I'll rarely knock gambling on skill. I've seen a little Tommy Bleyl this year, zero issues if we choose him with the second 1st. Overager Philippe Veilleux was 3rd in scoring last year in the Q... somehow goes undrafted. Finished 2nd this year. Two 40 goal seasons in a row. Worth a gamble in the later rounds. Oleg Kulebyakin is of a similar mold. He's a fun one. Largely boom or bust players you're gambling on their skill can translate to the pro levels. Not much risk when you're talking late round picks

Think that's fair on Malhotra. His ceiling might be lower end 1C. Very good chance he'll at least be a pretty good 2C. I kind of think--not so much as a comp but ceiling wise---Nico Hischier. Bjorck might be more of a gamble but he's just smart about everything and I kind of think that no matter he will find a way to be a very impactful player. These guys very well might be key players on a championship team one day but I don't think they'll be guys with the capability to carry a team on their backs to a Stanley Cup. I don't think there is anyone in this draft that is going to be that. It's possible that some could be a big reason why a team wins a championship though.

I haven't watched all that much of the Q---just video clips of players. I haven't looked at Shilov all that much either but the stuff I've read about him is he doesn't always play with a lot of pace and that makes me think of Stepan too. He switched his commitment from Boston U to Penn St. Maybe he plays with McKenna next year? if Gavin doesn't sign with the Leafs.

 

[Lion Hound]

Nikita Klepov is American. He holds dual citizenship, was born in Florida. Played in Russia briefly before coming back to the states and then going to the OHL. Plays internationally for USA.

Klepov committed to Michigan State next season. 3 others from this years draft class all talked about here in length are also committed there. Chase Reid, Ethan Belchetz, and Jack Hextall. Will be a fun team to watch next season. NYR prospect Sean Barnhill is also playing there.

 

[RangersFan1994]

So knowing Drury he is targeting these big players LD Maksim Sokolovskii 6'7 238 and C Brooks Rogowski 6'7 235

When are these players eligible to go?? 3rd 4th rounds???

Both are intriguing if they can skate and have hockey IQ

 

[duhmetreE]

I'm team Bjorck now.

 

[RangersFan1994]

I'm team Bjorck now.

If he is the best player at 5? Take him. I like his game. Size of heart is important in developing and drafting a prospect

 

[B17 Apricots]

Think that's fair on Malhotra. His ceiling might be lower end 1C. Very good chance he'll at least be a pretty good 2C. I kind of think--not so much as a comp but ceiling wise---Nico Hischier. Bjorck might be more of a gamble but he's just smart about everything and I kind of think that no matter he will find a way to be a very impactful player. These guys very well might be key players on a championship team one day but I don't think they'll be guys with the capability to carry a team on their backs to a Stanley Cup. I don't think there is anyone in this draft that is going to be that. It's possible that some could be a big reason why a team wins a championship though.

I haven't watched all that much of the Q---just video clips of players. I haven't looked at Shilov all that much either but the stuff I've read about him is he doesn't always play with a lot of pace and that makes me think of Stepan too. He switched his commitment from Boston U to Penn St. Maybe he plays with McKenna next year? if Gavin doesn't sign with the Leafs.

I've said my opinion about Malhotra before, so not to beat a dead horse. But I'm just skeptical at this point. A lot of hype suddenly came on toward the end of the season. I have a hard time just throwing out his total body of work for the year. And like I've said before I don't think he's a bad prospect by any means. But if you're being talked about this high you're going to be under the microscope. And throughout the full year there were some bright spots but there was a good bit of junior coded hockey. Which is understandable. Stuff that I just don't think will translate well. Lots of mindless, wishful passes to the other team. Lots of failed stick handling. And if you check out many of the scouting reports throughout the year they do tend to point this out even when in a positive report. Failed to complete the high end plays at a significant rate. He's a good prospect. The depth of this draft class doesn't seem crazy enough that I think he should drop a ton further... I just don't like him at 5. If we were picking later, sure no problem. I think the hype started getting a little crazy. To me it's more indicative of the sort of poor quality this center class is. I think he's kind of been boosted up because there's just not a lot of good centers. I keep sticking to the Cozens / Horvat comparable. I've seen the Suzuki comparable ... I don't really see it. He's coming off a 100 point season. I would be really, really surprised if Caleb ever hits that sort of figure. Whoever gets him will likely get a solid prospect. Good mix of skill, NHL frame, he's physical, he mixes it up... but I don't see high end upside. Maybe he blows up BU next year and I'll change my opinion, but for right now thats where I'm sitting.

And last thing for Shilov... I do think those sort of really smart, cerebral players tend to succeed fairly often. You'll have a guy like Julien Gauthier that have fantastic physical tools.. giant dude, fast skater... not much skill. There's plenty of good NHLers that aren't fast skaters. Fox is not particularly fast, he has that ability to completely slow down the game and control the entire ice... not that I'm putting Shilov on that level, but that's the sort of thing I'm talking about

 

[bigdog16]

Defense is a really tough position to play and D are going to make mistakes and they're going to get exposed and it's an ongoing thing even for the best defenders. Defensemen who don't have the physical muscle to shut down plays.....well that's a tool in their toolbox they're just not going to have so that's a situation they'll have to adapt other ways of stopping opposition attacks and it's like with Fox who's not a perfect defenseman defensively but he knows he has to work at it---for him it's about reading plays---being in good position....stick position on cross ice/crease plays......jamming plays along the boards to buy time for teammates to help him out or get in better position to defend. It's an ongoing thing and it's got to almost be treated like a real everyday job.

Yeah agreed. And for someone 5’11 ya gotta work with what ya got

 

[Captain Jellico]

Think that's fair on Malhotra. His ceiling might be lower end 1C. Very good chance he'll at least be a pretty good 2C. I kind of think--not so much as a comp but ceiling wise---Nico Hischier. Bjorck might be more of a gamble but he's just smart about everything and I kind of think that no matter he will find a way to be a very impactful player. These guys very well might be key players on a championship team one day but I don't think they'll be guys with the capability to carry a team on their backs to a Stanley Cup. I don't think there is anyone in this draft that is going to be that. It's possible that some could be a big reason why a team wins a championship though.

I haven't watched all that much of the Q---just video clips of players. I haven't looked at Shilov all that much either but the stuff I've read about him is he doesn't always play with a lot of pace and that makes me think of Stepan too. He switched his commitment from Boston U to Penn St. Maybe he plays with McKenna next year? if Gavin doesn't sign with the Leafs.

There are always players like that in every draft, just not the top ten. That's why you need good scouting, and if you're rebuilding or retooling, more picks for more chances.

 

[Lone Ranger]

For me, Bjorck has the highest floor of any player in this draft. The worst case scenario for him would be his size hamstrings him at center and you still end up with a 60-70 point winger. I'll take it.

 

[IDvsEGO]

For me, Bjorck has the highest floor of any player in this draft. The worst case scenario for him would be his size hamstrings him at center and you still end up with a 60-70 point winger. I'll take it.

like there are hot takes and then there are nuclear takes.
Its fine to like Bjorck but he's not going 1oa for a reason. The uber talented winger has the higher Floor.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

For the record, I do not hate the kid on any level. That’s a gross exaggeration. I think he’s very talented, but his cons worry the hell outta me. Personally, I just wouldn’t pick him at 5. Would I at 10? Yeah most likely. But no hate towards the kid whatsoever.

Very fair!

 

[EdJovanovski]

So Smits really the preferred D after Reid ?

Should be, Carels has the bit of a red flag with the concussion thing and skipping the combine over it, also has said he doesn’t like big cities. Smits is the best skater out of those top dmen and is huge as well

 

[duhmetreE]

If you squint hard enough, Bjorck fits the Brunson mold.

Dolans directive to Drury