One of the great unknowns of the Rangers 2010 draft was Swedish winger Jesper Fasth. Many wondered what type of player the Rangers got and with limited exposure thus far, most people are still wondering the same thing.
It might be the dog days of the hockey season for the Rangers but Fasth’s season has already begun. Currently playing for Swedish men’s side HV71 in the European Trophy, Fasth has been playing on the 4th line but still managed to be quite productive grabbing 3 assists in 6 games including 2 in a recent 6-0 rout over Finnish side Karpart. Fasth’s season thus far also took in an under 20 tournament for Sweden where he went 1+1 in 4 games for the Swedes so the 18 year old winger has had a pretty solid start to his year.
So what type of player is the 6ft Fasth, who can play both wings? This is the scouting report from eliteprospects.com;
Fasth is a very good skater with nice acceleration and top speed. He works very hard, forechecks with impressive intensity and also create a lot of offense thanks to his agility and speed. Has decent hockey sense, technical skills and scoring ability, but it perhaps still more likely to develop into a role player.
It sounds like Fasth’s game is consistent with the desire for the Rangers to place an emphasis on speed and work ethic but in terms of scoring ability and skill level the young Swede appears to be a project. Its obvious that Fasth was picked with the long term in mind. He’ll be given all the time in the world to develop in Sweden before the Rangers look at him as a serious, potential NHL candidate.
With many forward prospects close to being ready for the Rangers there is no need to rush the player. His good start this year playing with the HV71 men’s team at just 18 years old, Fasth appears to have a solid future. Drafted 157th overall there was also very little risk in this pick for the Rangers and lets not forget, the Rangers have had some pretty good success with drafting Swedes late……
Every Friday we look ahead to a different aspect of the future of the Rangers organization. This week we take a look at what may be the Rangers #1 prospect. There’s a very good chance that Massachusetts born Chris Kreider is the best offensive prospect the Rangers have even though the Rangers are fortunate to have a few very promising ones coming up the system.
Drafted 19th overall (and looking every bit the steal) Kreider has developed at a rapid pace to the point where he was a teen college player invited to play for the senior USA world championship team and to the point where GM Glen Sather declared Kreider ready for NHL play. On top of that Sather admitted he tried to sign the blue chip talent this summer. The fact Sather even commented publicly on a negotiation of this kind is compliment enough. So where is Kreider at right now and when will Rangers fans a) see him in Ranger blue and b) see him as an impact player?
Kreider has gone on record that he intends to turn pro a year from now. This was backed up by Rangers beat writer Jim Cerny on twitter. Kreider already has the pro physique standing a solid 6’2 220lbs while he is genuinely regarded as one of the most explosive skaters around. His size and excellent speed could, should prove to be a deadly combination.
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Hello all. After a long hiatus, I’m finally back doing posts here. Forgive my almost year-long absence. The recent NHL entry draft seemed like a good enough transition point for me to re-enter the blogosphere, and something about a recent top-10 pick has me pretty riled up…
A lot is being said about the Rangers newest first-round pick, Dylan McIlrath, the brutish teenage defenseman from Moose Jaw (Canadian city names, eh?). While the move perplexed the majority of us Blueshirt fanatics, I quite honestly didn’t know how to feel about it. That was until I did some research of my own over the weekend. After undertaking the usual Google search of our newest defenseman, I decided I wanted to see some full-motion video and went on over to YouTube. I was at first quite shocked to realize that a seemingly obscure 18 year old Canadian junior hockey player had more than one link to his credit on the world’s most popular video site. Then, I was flat out impressed by what I saw. The common theme in these videos: nobody gets the best of this kid. Was particularly moved by the fight with John Stampohar (same build, and 2 years his elder). What’s more impressive is that you see him come to the aid of his teammates in a few of these videos. Maybe Dan Carcillo would have thought twice about mixing it up with Marian Gaborik if a player like this was an established presence on the ice at the time. That to me is equally important than any plus/minus or point total. You can only hope that with NHL level coaching, this kid can one day blossom into what Chris Pronger has been throughout his career
Well that was a bit of a surprising pick for the Rangers, no? With players like Brandon Gormley, Cam Fowler, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Emerson Etem available, the Rangers shocked their fans, and many at the draft, by selecting tough guy Dylan McIlrath. I was at a wedding yesterday, but I got the news from a few texts (thanks guys), and many were pissed at this move.
I have the luxury of not reacting until this morning, as I could not react last night (it’s impossible to get worked up over a draft at a wedding). The two gaping holes on the Rangers right now is scoring and physical defensemen. With players like Artem Anisimov, Evgeny Grachev, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and Ethan Werek already emerging as the top prospects in the system, the Rangers seem to be covered for the future with scoring.
Then you have to look at the defense. The Rangers have one of the best defenders in the league in Marc Staal. They have an up and coming star as an offensive defenseman in Michael Del Zotto. They have depth at both of those positions in Bobby Sanguinetti and Dan Girardi. What the Rangers truly lacked was a physical, mean, tough defenseman. In the system they have Ryan McDonagh, but that is really putting all your eggs into one basket.
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Everyone talks about Grachev, Kreider, Stepan, McDonagh and Sanguinetti and rightly so –they’re all important prospects but given the Rangers (lengthy) list of needs one of the prospects that may help the Rangers the most is Canadian Junior, Ethan Werek. Considered first round worthy in his draft year the Rangers were fortunate to have him slip to 47th overall in the ‘09 draft where they gratefully accepted this talented pivot. At 6’2 and 200lbs Werek is a physically sound center that can play both center and wing. Not afraid to use his body Werek could help the Rangers down the middle with his size, style of play and scoring ability.
With a knack for scoring (30 and 32 goals in two years in the OHL, on a young side too) Werek has proven he can fill the net. Better still, Werek has shown development; the left shooting Kingston Frontenac’s player has gone from -5 as a rookie to +14.Werek only didn’t top his career best 64 points because of injury however he reached the same total in 9 fewer games this year. His first playoff exposure on an inexperienced Frontenac’s team this spring saw Werek score 5 points in 6 games playing good 2 way hockey along the way. All good signs.
What may be best for Werek’s development right now is his head coach. Ex Leafs legend Dougie Gilmour left the AHL Marlies to take over in Kingston and since then the team has shown improvement and Werek himself has certainly improved. Not afraid to go to the net or try a fancy move Werek appears to be equally comfortable looking for a rebound or with the puck on his blade. He accepts responsibility on the ice and that trait will serve him well if when he gets to NY.
Some people have been touting Werek to have an inside chance at cracking the roster this summer. With Derek Stepan signed and experience sought, that may be unlikely but not beyond possibility. Werek’s intention is to come to camp and have a good crack. With his size and ability making the team isn’t out of the question and the Rangers should take a long look at him and give him every chance to succeed. Depending on how the 2010 draft goes Werek could find a spot in the line up. With Tortorella’s preference for Dubinsky on the wing, Prospal being equally adept wide and with Drury also being given time on the flank should Werek leave a positive impression one has to feel a roster spot is there for the taking. A lot of variables to contend with but it’s not beyond him.
At this stage of his career Werek is already looking like a good pick, at worst, helping the Rangers depth for the future. Less touted than those mentioned above, he may well leave his mark quicker than expected. Prospect dark horse? Why not?
Ryan McDonagh: NHL ready? Soon to be signed? Unwilling to sign with New York?
UPDATE: Rumours circulating online that the Rangers have signed the promising Defenseman today. More to follow I’m sure….
UPDATE #2.: Now being reported McDonagh has NOT signed today. Let the initial excitment subside.
There are many questions that need answering regarding Ryan McDonagh. Here are the facts. The three years he’s played in Wisconsin McDonagh had totals of 12, 16 and 18 points alongside totals of 5, 5 and 4 goals. Steady yet unspectacular numbers but it’s his style that has fans hoping he dons New York blue this coming season. McDonagh plays a physical style and has good size at 6’1 and 210. Blessed with excellent skating ability McDonagh is considered to be a good two way player. Hockey’s future wrote this on him:
Has the size to be a physical force. He combines that with an ability to contribute on the offensive end of the rink, making the smart pass and keying the rush.
The former Montreal first round pick and Minnesota’s ‘Mr Hockey’ in 2007 has won numerous awards throughout his upstart career. In 2008 he was in the WCHA all rookie team, in 2009 he was named to the academic all – big ten and WCHA all academic teams while the same year he was voted by his team-mates as the most competitive player on the Badgers – speaking volumes about his character and approach. McDonagh has won medals internationally for the USA in 2007 and 2008, has been an alternate captain for the Badgers and recently was named the captain for the forthcoming season – if he returns
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With all the hullabaloo over Derek Stepan’s signing (I am among the guilty parties that has got caught up in the ‘hysteria’) it’s easy to forget that right now The Rangers have a lot of great talent on the horizon. One such player is Evgeny Malkin Grachev. Grachev, who has stated he wants to be like his illustrious namesake could very well be a line mate of Stepan’s next season. Whether that will be in New York or Hartford however, remains to be seen. A little look at Grachev and his development….
A lot of Rangers fans are saying they’d like to see, perhaps even expect to see the talented Grachev make the Rangers next season. The hulking Russian doesn’t appear ready for the NHL. Consider that carefully; The Rangers don’t need to rush (and ruin) another good prospect. Why are the Hawks in the Stanley Cup final? One reason is that they don’t unnecessarily rush their prospects. Likely Norris winner Duncan Keith played 2 full years in the AHL and he didn’t have language barriers to face. Byfuglien played 2 minor league seasons so did troy Brouwer, the list goes on. I could bring up examples of The Rangers rushing their prospects like Jamie Lundmark…. Oh, I just did
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The Rangers problems on the blue line at NHL level have been much publicized and most people are of the assumption the problem will be addressed externally. However with Dennis Seidenberg’s recent deal setting the bar at an uncomfortably high level and with Glen Sather’s comments about giving those from within a chance, maybe the prospects can make New York…
Within the system there are several options that can help the team. How the Rangers progress as a team as well as deal with the blue line may be influenced by the level of patience the Rangers brass will be willing to show. Are they willing for guys like Mike Sauer, Corey Potter etc to learn on the fly, make mistakes at NHL level but indeed develop? Time will tell, early indication says maybe they are.
One option that hasn’t been given much air time is the curious case of Pavel Valentenko, the Russian ‘throw in’ from the (brilliant) Gomez to Montreal deal. Not seen actively in the organisation as yet, it’s difficult to know what to expect. Back in 2009 Hockeysfuture wrote these words about the young Russian, following his defection back to Russia:
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It’s a big statement to make about a kid guy that still hasn’t played a pro game at any level. So what is it about Derek Stepan that offers the Rangers such hope and excitement?
Drafted 51st overall in 2008, the Hastings born Stepan has played in strong programs throughout his young career and has produced wherever he has been. Playing two years at the hockey factory that is Shattuck-St. Mary’s (think Sid Crosby, Zach Parise, Jon Toews etc) Stepan tallied 192 points in two years before going to the NCAA powerhouse Wisconsin Badgers. In 2 Wisconsin seasons thus far Stepan continued to elevate his game. A solid rookie year – 33 points in 40 games – was followed up with an impressive 54 point season (in just 41 games) which culminated in a Frozen Four Final berth. Stepan quickly became a go-to player for the Badgers. What perhaps excites Rangers fans more however, is how Stepan raised his game even further on the international stage. Stepan took over the 2010 World Juniors and led the Americans to gold as captain and led the entire tourney in points with 14 in just 7 games. Voted on to the all star team at the tournament , Stepan keeps elite company when one considers the line up featured Alex Pietrangelo, John Carlson, Jordan Eberle and Nino Niederreiter – all elite prospects. Stepan also has blood lines on his side. Derek’s father Brad was a 5th round pick of the Rangers which was the same draft year (‘85) as Mike Richter.
Looking back at Stepan’s development so far it’s easy to get excited. Whether it’s at prep level, NCAA level or at international level Derek Stepan has succeeded. Considered mature and a good character and having already displayed excellent leadership at various levels, Stepan seems bound for a good pro career. Opportunity (and success) requires being in the right place at the right time and coupled with his talent is the fact the Rangers are crying out for impact at center. As soon as Stepan decides the time is right to leave college he will likely get a shot at making the Rangers straight away and will be given every chance to succeed.
Rangers fans therefore may be thinking: So where will Stepan fit in? Considered close to pro-ready now, it’s likely that in 12 months time Stepan will be able to make the Rangers and hopefully take on a scoring role immediately. It will benefit the Rangers enormously (cap wise) if Stepan can grab a top 6 role when he leaves Wisconsin. With contracts like Redden’s and Drury’s still weighing heavy, cap bargains and cheap youngsters are essential for the Rangers.
Stepan’s game seems ideally suited to Marian Gaborik in that he is a pass first, defensively responsible center with great vision however the role of Gaborik’s center may be a year or two away as the Rangers would be well advised not to throw too much responsibility on Stepan’s shoulders too soon. Could he handle it? Why not. Jonathan Toews’ career took a similar path before he reached Chicago and he became an impact player from the get-go. The two players are quite comparable (another reason the Rangers faithful are so excited about Stepan) and if the Rangers can get a rookie year off Stepan like Chicago got off Toews then The Rangers will be delighted – and dangerous. While a strong rookie year is possible what would be likely? There’s no reason we won’t, can’t see a 15 goal 40 point rookie campaign when he does make the Rangers. As we have seen, Stepan doesn’t appear to rush a decision so he won’t come to NY until he’s ready to make an immediate impact.
For those watching Stepan’s every move, you may be watching a saviour in the making.
In the second round of the 2009 draft, #47 overall, the Rangers selected Ethan Werek, playing with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. Werek, while not on the first round radar, was a fairly highly regarded pick when the Rangers selected him. Some were surprised he was still available so late in the draft. The 18-year old Werek was coming off a great year in juniors, putting up a line of 32-32-64 in 66 games, with 83 PIMS to match. Hockeysfuture currently has him ranked as the #14 prospect in the system, but that doesn’t include this year he is having at the junior level (17-20-37, +10 in 31 games).
Werek is the definition of a power forward. The 6’0 191-pound center uses his size and reach to go into the dirty areas and get some garbage goals while roughing it up a little bit in front of the net. This work ethic and edge parlays very nicely into strong forechecking skills as well. Werek also showcases a fantastic passing ability, comparable to that of Michael Del Zotto. His ability to win face-offs is average,
Werek’s main weakness is his skating ability. Once he gets going, he has decent speed, but it takes a while for that to happen. He more than makes up for this short coming with the aforementioned play in front of the net, and being unafraid to collect garbage goals. Unfortunately, this grit and edge that he plays with tends to lead to some undisciplined penalties, noted by the 83 PIMS in his draft year.
Werek’s greatest asset is his drive to play in high traffic areas. He’s not an agitator like Sean Avery, but he will finish his checks and look to knock people off the puck. If he’s comparable to anyone on the current Rangers roster, it would be Ryan Callahan.
Expect Werek to show up on many people’s radar after he finishes up this season with Kingston. Next year, he will get an invite to camp, and will be in the same position that Michael Del Zotto found himself in this past preseason. Play well, earn a spot on the roster, or else be returned to the OHL for an over-age year.
Image Credit: ranger.nhl.com
Prospect Profiles, Prospect Watch | jurgenno88, 27 Aug 10 | 
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