The Rangers are projected to have #8, #26, and #30.
What can they get for one of the late picks?
What could they get packaging the two late picks together? How high could they move up? Is there a good young player available for both?
Could all 3 picks get the Rangers into the top 5?
Nope, 3 1st picks is not worth 1 top #5 picks. But if Rangers win lottery one of the picks they might compete much sooner in the playoffs, but it depends about the defense core and how they are going to strengthen it successfully. In addition I`m not certain about DeAngelo & Kevin shattenkirk is the right guys for that D core. I would much rather have scoring wingers, and players who are good in that sniper role in a wing position.
My other point is if they move Zucc to climb in the draft - they remove a 50 pts. player with a future who need years to get NHL ready - so Gorton said 1-2 years, but it all depends on how they hit in the draft and who they aquire in the summer window. Personally which I`ve said in many other topics - I rather build that team in the draft so sell value players for early picks., but u need some veteran players as well so it`s a fine balance.
Brett Howden, Chytil, Lias, Nam, Hayes all center position players, hence I would consider to move Zib`s contract also, because he has struggle with concussions on occasions now at very early age. And believe we can get another 1st pick for him in the 2019 draft since Brett Howden probably need another year to be NHL ready and you free up 5 + mil $ concerning the cap situation before the summer draft of 2019.