Rangers Prospect Ranking: (Winter 2019) - #18

[The Crypto Guy]

Ranger's Winter 2019 Prospect Ranking

1. Vitali Kravtsov (F) (2018 Draft - 1st round) (+2) (54%)
2. Filip Chytil (F) (2017 Draft - 1st round) (-1) (77%)
3. Igor Shestyorkin (G) (2014 Draft - 4th round) (-1) (76%)
4. Lias Andersson (F) (2017 Draft - 1st round) (E) (49%)
5. K'Andre Miller (D) (2018 Draft - 1st round) (+2) (76%)
6. Brett Howden (F) (2016 Draft - 1st round) (E) (80%)
7. Nils Lundqvist (D) (2018 Draft - 1st round) (+2) (46%)
8. Libor Hajek (D) (2016 Draft - 2nd round) (-3)
9. Alexander Georgiev (G) (Undrafted) (+2) (41%)
10. Joey Keane (D) (2018 Draft - 3rd round) (+14) (44%)
11. Yegor Rykov (D) (2016 Draft - 5th round (+1) (73%)
12. Ryan Lindgren (D) (2016 Draft - 2nd round) (-2) (63%)
13. Tarmo Reunanen (D) (2016 Draft - 4th round (NR) (43%)
14. Morgan Barron (F) (2017 Draft - 6th round (+4) (46%)
15. Boo Nieves (F) (2012 Draft - 2nd round (+7) (49%)
16. Ville Meskanen (F) (Undrafted) (E) (31%)
17. Tim Gettinger (F) (2016 Draft - 5th round (+10) (31%)

-----------------------
SUMMER LIST (All nominations can be found here)
Tell me who you want added.
Added: Bigras​

List of eligible players left to be added:

Player Name	Last Rank	Player Name	Last Rank
Ronning, Ty	13	Crawley, Brandon	HM
	14	Gropp, Ryan	HM
Day, Sean	15	Hughes, Riley	HM
	16	O'Gara, Rob	HM
	18		HM
Virta, Patrik	19	Bernhardt, Daniel	NR
	21	Forgarty, Steven	NR
	22	Halverson, Brandon	NR
Lindbom, Olof	23	Kjellberg, Simon	NR
Huska, Adam	25	Lakatos, Dominik	NR
Gilmour, John	26	Leedahl, Dawson	NR
Fontaine, Gabriel	28	Nanne, Tyler	NR
	29	Nell, Chris	NR
	30	Wall, Tyler	NR

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Click to read more...

 

[pblawr]

Add Lindbom

 

[nyr2k2]

I meant to vote for Lettieri, but hit Bigras. So if it somehow comes down to it, that was my intention.

Add Fontaine.

 

[UnSandvich]

Lettieri, add Crawley

 

[FireGerardGallant]

Add Virta

 

[E-Train]

Ragnarsson. Add Fontaine

 

[Sarge13]

Add Riley Jack Hughes

 

[eco's bones]

Lettieri. Fontaine.

 

[Justin17]

Add Lindbom

 

[cwede]

Add Huska or Virta

 

[darko]

Lettieri add Virta

 

[eco's bones]

I don't think Virta has had a very good year. He struggled in the KHL and he's struggling now in the SHL. I'd be very surprised if the Rangers were ready to offer him an ELC. That said most of those left of those to be added have either not had good years or they've not made significant progress. Fontaine is one that seems to have made some progress. Fogarty and Gilmour are both better offensively if nothing else but are older and don't seem to have NHL careers ahead of them and Wall seems to be back to where he was two years ago--which is actually very good but.... The rest of the pros have not taken another step AFAIC and there's not a single prospect left to be added that I'd be ready to sign.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

I don't think Virta has had a very good year. He struggled in the KHL and he's struggling now in the SHL. I'd be very surprised if the Rangers were ready to offer him an ELC. That said most of those left of those to be added have either not had good years or they've not made significant progress. Fontaine is one that seems to have made some progress. Fogarty and Gilmour are both better offensively if nothing else but are older and don't seem to have NHL careers ahead of them and Wall seems to be back to where he was two years ago--which is actually very good but.... The rest of the pros have not taken another step AFAIC and there's not a single prospect left to be added that I'd be ready to sign.

Virta didn't really struggle on the ice in the KHL. He was pretty good for a guy his age, and the situation he was in. He got top-6 minutes after proving himself on the ice, but it was the off ice situation that caused him to terminate his contract and move to Sweden.

 

[eco's bones]

Virta didn't really struggle on the ice in the KHL. He was pretty good for a guy his age, and the situation he was in. He got top-6 minutes after proving himself on the ice, but it was the off ice situation that caused him to terminate his contract and move to Sweden.

Well he's struggled in the SHL and at this point I would not be offering him a contract. There doesn't appear to be any kind of notable progress this year. He's an offensive player or bust and he's going to need to be something of a force in the SHL before bringing him over or he's going to end up just another 3rd/4th liner in Hartford.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Well he's struggled in the SHL and at this point I would not be offering him a contract. There doesn't appear to be any kind of notable progress this year. He's an offensive player or bust and he's going to need to be something of a force in the SHL before bringing him over or he's going to end up just another 3rd/4th liner in Hartford.

That I agree with. He has not really taken that next step. He was looking good last year in Liiga, and I expected him to be on track to be a good 4th line player in the NHL in 2-3 years. He will have to work hard to get there, but I don't think it's out of the realm of possibilities.

 

[nyr2k2]

With the goalies, I still take Huska over wall. Huska plays for a terrible UConn team currently ranked 48 in Pairwise (out of 60 teams), and faces 33 SOG/60. Wall, by contrast, faces 26 SOG/60 for the 19th ranked team. It's kind of a similar story as their Freshman seasons--Huska posting worse numbers for a terrible team, Wall posting better numbers for a good team. Last season Lowell was 40th in Pairwise and I don't think it's a coincidence that Wall sucked--one caused the other, whichever way it was. Wall's Freshman year, Lowell was fifth in Pairwise. For Huska, this is actually by far the worst team he has played on. I just think he's more athletic, and he's never had any extended stretch of being bad. More consistency. Even if it's mediocre consistency. I like him better long term, but I've been wrong before.

Lindbom, the only thing he has going for him at this point, IMO, is that he was just picked in the second round. Beyond that, what are we going on? He has been good in international play, admittedly, but in domestic play he hasn't been good since he was 15 playing U16 in Sweden. Good statistically, anyway, as I haven't really read much about him. And he's been kissed by God--Allaire "loved him" or vouched for him" or whatever, which as I outlined in another thread means nothing for me. Until he starts to work with Allaire, he's just another questionable selection that's likely to flame out.

Of the remaining goalies, I go;
1A: Huska
1B: Wall
2: Lindbom
3: Halverson
4. Nell

 

[nyr2k2]

Of the remaining guys outside of goalies...

Ronning--he's young and a rookie, but I almost look at him like Gropp. He needs time and space to get into prime position. Can he do it consistently? I have my doubts. Spending a majority of your rookie season in the ECHL isn't great. Unless you're a defenseman or grinder, most guys who do that don't ever sniff the NHL (I know there are exceptions).

Day--disappointing because he looked good his first two AHL games but then fell off a cliff. I don't see any difference from when he was in the OHL till now. I don't know if he has the mind for it. Tools, yes, but he just doesn't know what to do. I'll give him a couple years, but not optimistic.

Virta--his KHL production was decent, his SHL production has been slightly disappointing. I haven't watched him so I can't comment on his game, but 6 points in 20 games isn't terrific. I thought he'd do more. I think he'll get a contract but he has dropped in my eyes.

Gilmour--I just think hes horrible. He should try forward. Seriously. He's not interested in playing defense and I see no future for him there in the NHL.

Fontaine--smart player, does all the little things right, is noticeable on every shift, has good hands. The offense is showing some life. Looks like a good 4C prospect to me.

Crawley--he's not horrible, but I don't think he's really good at anything. Tough to make the NHL when you don't have a single NHL-caliber skill.

Gropp--playing a better all-around game, not such a huge liability. But he was drafted to be a scorer, not a utility guy. He still doesn't think quickly enough to find open space to get his shot off, in high danger areas anyway. Looks like a bust. Could be a good KHL player.

Hughes--if Pronman (who amusingly, we usually hate) didn't have this kid ranked 68 or whatever, I don't think people would be so high on him. Considering he usually plays with Newhook, the fact that he's fourth on his team in scoring behind Campbell (a likely mid-round pick) and a defenseman who is overage draft-eligible and unranked, is not really impressive. It's...okay. But not impressive by any means. I'll wait until he's in college, but for now he's on the fringes of my radar.

Halverson--great that he's playing well in the ECHL, but unless he can find some time in the AHL he's likely out of the organization and on an ECHL deal next season.

Kjellberg--having nothing to do with my thoughts on why he was drafted, he looks like a completely wasted pick. I've watch two USHL games with him in it. He's big, plodding, fairly responsible defensively with his positioning, has a crappy shot, and that's it. Looks like an average USHL player and is going to a poor college program.

Lakatos--unless he absolutely dominates the rest of the season, he's probably not getting a deal. He has been pretty bad overall since being drafted. A legitimate NHL prospect should be doing more in that league, especially at his age.

Leedahl--non-prospect. He probably plays in the ECHL for his career in the US. I appreciate that he plays hard, but he otherwise contributes nothing. He can be a 4th liner and PK specialist in the AHL, maybe.

Nanne--I've watched him a few times the past two seasons. He moves around well, moves the puck around well, is actually pretty solid defensively. I don't think he gets a contract because other than his skating nothing seems NHL-level to me, and also because he lost so much time. Maybe he gets an ATO at the end of the year and they take a look. Otherwise, he'll graduate next year and then probably start in the low minors of play Canadian University or something.

Nell--Just not very good. Disappointing as he had a solid college career. Gone after this year.

I didn't mention O'Gara, Fogarty, or Bernhardt. I obviously love Fogarty and have forever, and he's properly listed as a prospect, but he's not. Maybe he finds a team with no depth and carves out a niche for himself. It won't be here. O'Gara, kind of the same thing. Bernhardt might not play hockey again.

 

[Don Chytil]

Ragnarsson, add Huska

 

[Harbour Dog]

Lettieri, add Fontaine.

 

[eco's bones]

That I agree with. He has not really taken that next step. He was looking good last year in Liiga, and I expected him to be on track to be a good 4th line player in the NHL in 2-3 years. He will have to work hard to get there, but I don't think it's out of the realm of possibilities.

One of the things I think Virta said about his slow start in the SHL was he was struggling with the pace. There is less ice surface at the AHL/NHL level which would probably help him but the pace picks up quite a bit at the NHL level. He is a smaller player--he will need to be able to keep up and it might be endurance or speed or a combination but whatever he's going to need to show more where he's at before coming over here. He'd be better off IMO in the SHL than in the AHL anyway. Worth adding that the SHL seems to be more of a challenge for him than Liiga--and I'd rather have him sticking with the SHL. He needs at least one more year there.

 

[eco's bones]

Of the remaining guys outside of goalies...

Ronning--he's young and a rookie, but I almost look at him like Gropp. He needs time and space to get into prime position. Can he do it consistently? I have my doubts. Spending a majority of your rookie season in the ECHL isn't great. Unless you're a defenseman or grinder, most guys who do that don't ever sniff the NHL (I know there are exceptions).

Day--disappointing because he looked good his first two AHL games but then fell off a cliff. I don't see any difference from when he was in the OHL till now. I don't know if he has the mind for it. Tools, yes, but he just doesn't know what to do. I'll give him a couple years, but not optimistic.

Virta--his KHL production was decent, his SHL production has been slightly disappointing. I haven't watched him so I can't comment on his game, but 6 points in 20 games isn't terrific. I thought he'd do more. I think he'll get a contract but he has dropped in my eyes.

Gilmour--I just think hes horrible. He should try forward. Seriously. He's not interested in playing defense and I see no future for him there in the NHL.

Fontaine--smart player, does all the little things right, is noticeable on every shift, has good hands. The offense is showing some life. Looks like a good 4C prospect to me.

Crawley--he's not horrible, but I don't think he's really good at anything. Tough to make the NHL when you don't have a single NHL-caliber skill.

Gropp--playing a better all-around game, not such a huge liability. But he was drafted to be a scorer, not a utility guy. He still doesn't think quickly enough to find open space to get his shot off, in high danger areas anyway. Looks like a bust. Could be a good KHL player.

Hughes--if Pronman (who amusingly, we usually hate) didn't have this kid ranked 68 or whatever, I don't think people would be so high on him. Considering he usually plays with Newhook, the fact that he's fourth on his team in scoring behind Campbell (a likely mid-round pick) and a defenseman who is overage draft-eligible and unranked, is not really impressive. It's...okay. But not impressive by any means. I'll wait until he's in college, but for now he's on the fringes of my radar.

Halverson--great that he's playing well in the ECHL, but unless he can find some time in the AHL he's likely out of the organization and on an ECHL deal next season.

Kjellberg--having nothing to do with my thoughts on why he was drafted, he looks like a completely wasted pick. I've watch two USHL games with him in it. He's big, plodding, fairly responsible defensively with his positioning, has a crappy shot, and that's it. Looks like an average USHL player and is going to a poor college program.

Lakatos--unless he absolutely dominates the rest of the season, he's probably not getting a deal. He has been pretty bad overall since being drafted. A legitimate NHL prospect should be doing more in that league, especially at his age.

Leedahl--non-prospect. He probably plays in the ECHL for his career in the US. I appreciate that he plays hard, but he otherwise contributes nothing. He can be a 4th liner and PK specialist in the AHL, maybe.

Nanne--I've watched him a few times the past two seasons. He moves around well, moves the puck around well, is actually pretty solid defensively. I don't think he gets a contract because other than his skating nothing seems NHL-level to me, and also because he lost so much time. Maybe he gets an ATO at the end of the year and they take a look. Otherwise, he'll graduate next year and then probably start in the low minors of play Canadian University or something.

Nell--Just not very good. Disappointing as he had a solid college career. Gone after this year.

I didn't mention O'Gara, Fogarty, or Bernhardt. I obviously love Fogarty and have forever, and he's properly listed as a prospect, but he's not. Maybe he finds a team with no depth and carves out a niche for himself. It won't be here. O'Gara, kind of the same thing. Bernhardt might not play hockey again.

An excellent overview of what's still on board. Fogarty to me is where Hrivik was with us a couple years ago. Same kind of player basically. He's become more of an offensive contributor at the AHL level and who knows he might get another opportunity or two at the NHL level but he's a tweener at best. O'Gara and Gilmour seem to be in somewhat the same territory. Gilmour has offensive skills but his defensive game is a mess and O'Gara has a steady but bland defensive game. They're all in the 25 years old range.

Fontaine is the best of the lot of what's left--he seems to have made some improvements. Saying that--he'll be a 4th liner if he does make it. I don't see more upside than that. I think Huska and Wall are possibilites still as goalies. Huska plays for a kind of crappy UConn team and Wall seems to have put his game back together. Lindbom is just a wild card at this point for me. I don't know why we drafted him in the 2nd but I do hope he can stay away from injuries and hopefully if he does he can get back on the radar.