So what has Hagelin done since being drafted (so late) by the Rangers? Every season for the Michigan Wolverines, Hagelin has improved offensively. In 2007/8 as a freshman the Swede had 22 points in 41 games. In 08/09 Hagelin improved to 31 points in 41 games while he really broke out in 09/10 when he had 50 points and 19 goals in 45 games. This season has seen Hagelin continue at over a point/game pace with 38 in just 32 games giving him every chance to beat the 50 he had the season prior. It’s not just on the ice that Hagelin has excelled. IN 09/10 he was named alternate captain which was testament to his leadership skills while this season Hagelin was named captain. Academically Hagelin has received numerous awards over his NCAA career proving this prospect is no bonehead hockey player however it is on the ice that he should be exciting Rangers fans. With 141 career points in 159 games Hagelin is an offensive force yet the 22 year old is just as regarded for his defensive play as his +16 this year demonstrates. With the legendary Red Berenson coaching him, Hagelin also could be better placed to develop as a player.

At 22 and with 4 full seasons under his belt Hagelin will almost certainly turn pro this summer, maybe getting into a few pro games before the end of this season. Either way, the young Swede looks an excellent prospect for the Blueshirts. The Kreider’s, Mcilrath’s and Del Zotto’s may be the ones that received all the headlines each summer but Hagelin appears to have the pedigree, maturity and experience to be a great player when he turns pro. Fingers crossed he’s another Swede that was drafted late and becomes a great Ranger. You may have heard of the other one….

While the Sharks’ Logan Couture has 18 goals – fourth in the league – he is playing on a power house team. With Jeff Skinner playing a key role for a middling Carolina team and Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall trying to take Edmonton back to respectability it’s Stepan who has played a range of roles for a re-building franchise while playing considerably less minutes per game than the four freshman skaters named above. What’s more, Stepan has a better plus/minus than the rest of the top 5 rookie scorers aside from Couture, displaying his now well documented maturity playing well both ends of the ice. Stepan has gained the trust of Tortorella through his play and is showing excellent consistency since his brief dip in play earlier in the year.

Perhaps the most interesting issue worth monitoring is whether Stepan can avoid the college brick wall which many NCAA players hit when going to the longer season (Matt Gilroy faced this last year). The other rookie scorers all played the longer junior schedule while Couture has an additional season of pro hockey (split between the AHL and NHL) already under his belt. Stepan is on course for 22 goals as a rookie and over 40 points. If he can avoid that college brick wall he may get more than 40 as his game and consistency has come on as the year has gone on. Not only that, despite his good college career, Stepan is doing all this as a less heralded player than those around him in the statistics. Taylor Hall went first overall, Logan Couture was top 10 in the draft, as was Jeff Skinner in 2010, and even Eberle was a first round pick – Stepan is the only player of the five forwards that wasn’t a first rounder making his immediate NHL impact even more impressive. Then there’s the goalies, Neuvirth and Bobrovsky are both playing behind legitimate cup contenders making their acclimatisation much easier. Imagine the numbers Lundqvist -as a freshman – might have put up had he played in front of Pronger and Timonen instead of the likes of Jason Strudwick and Thomas Pock.

All this boils down to giving Stepan the due he deserves. His play warrants Calder consideration and if he keeps it up there’s no doubt he’ll be in the mix come the end of the year. It would be pretty appropriate if, in the Rangers transition year, it was to culminate in a rookie of the year award. Here’s hoping.

By the way… Merry Christmas everyone!!!

On Tuesday night Moose Jaw beat the Saskatoon Blades 5-1 with Mcilrath grabbing two helpers and going +2. Prior to the win over the Blades, the Warriors had beaten the Kootenay Ice 6-3, a game which saw Mcilrath get 1 assist, 5 PIMS while going +1. The back to back wins had helped Moose Jaw’s record improve to 4-7. The win over the Blades on Tuesday was a sign that the Warriors may be turning things around because the Blades are leading the division with an 8-2 record so the win was a particularly impressive one.  According to the Moose Jaw Times Herald newspaper the Warriors have been suffering through many injuries recently so that may have played a big part in their poor start to their season.

The Warriors also had a second midweek game, playing at home to Medicine Hat on Wednesday. Despite losing 3-2 the Warriors were able to grab a point as they tied it up with 10.3 seconds left in regulation and grabbed the losers point in the shoot-out. Mcilrath wasn’t able to contribute offensively on this occasion. The big D-man went -1, scoreless, whilst taking a minor penalty. Another 2010 first round pick, Emerson Etem scored against Mcilrath’s Warriors.

While Mcilrath wasn’t drafted for his offensive skills if he can contribute offensively and develop his offensive game before he makes it to NY, then the Rangers could have a serious weapon on their hands. At 6’5 and 215lbs and willing to use every last inch of that frame, Mcilrath has the ability to be dominating. Rangers fans will need to patient however as Mcilrath, realistically, is at least 2-3 years away but the wait could very much be worth it.

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……

Drafted 19^th 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.

Last season as a college rookie Kreider started slowly but his learning curve really took off. Highlighted by spectacular goals in big games Kreider ended with a solid return of 15 goals and 23 points and a +25 rating in 38 games for Boston College as they won the NCAA frozen four, with the final also featuring Kreider scoring. On the USA WJC gold medal team Kreider exploded for 6 goals in 7 games where he also showed the world his clutch play and ability to raise his game. All in all it was a highly successful first year post-draft for Kreider which was topped off by his senior WC appearance.

But it isn’t all plain sailing at this stage. Puck prospectus ran a recent post discussing prospects from the latest World Junior Camps and had mixed news to report on Kreider from the camp and the exhibition games.

Kreider was a guy who didn’t show up on the radar that much but when he did it was in great fashion. His off the puck play wasn’t great and at times would be out of position and just seem lost in the play. He did aggressively attack the puck when it was near him and he jumped on potential scoring chances. The second Kreider got an inch of space and his skating created clear separation from the defenders and allowed him to wire his plus shot.

The report seems to indicate a few things. Kreider still needs to learn the intricacies of positional play and working without the puck, something that a lot of young players need to improve on but it also highlights his exceptional raw talents. His speed truly is game breaking, his shot is dangerous and he’s willing to aggressively go after the puck when he doesn’t have it. All that bodes well however it seems Kreider was right, at this stage to stay in the NCAA one more year.

Kreider is in a strong program in BC and will no doubt further refine his game before he turns pro. What can we expect from him in 12 months? Looking at the current Rangers roster there will be every opportunity for him to break into the line up as a rookie pro. One has to assume Prospal wont be back for a third year, Todd White for a 2^nd (assume he makes it past this years camp) and its hard to imagine guys like Christensen being road blocks for an eagerly anticipated talent like Kreider. Given that Dubinsky and Callahan’s deals expire in 12 months there may be a lot of change in NY once more.

Given his play with the senior USA squad the AHL should pose a still-maturing Kreider no serious opposition. If he went there it’s fair to expect a big offensive year. However given the need for an aggressive forecheck in NY, given the need for more offense, more size and speed Kreider really has a chance to make the Rangers. Top 6 as a rookie? Why not. The expectations are big for Kreider but he’s already shown a habit for winning and scoring big goals. A strong offensive season in NY a year from now wouldn’t take many by surprise.

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.

In McIlrath, the Rangers get a tough son of a bitch. He is probably the most intimidating force in the WHL, and is a big deterrent for any opposing offensive players. In fact, he is so intimidating, that when teams play against McIlrath’s Moose Jaw Warriors, they find themselves playing an umbrella style of offense to avoid getting into a battle in front of the net. A battle in which McIlrath always wins. What amazes me more about this is that he is the most intimidating player in the WHL at the age of SEVENTEEN! I spelled that out for emphasis. The kid is 6’5, 215 at just 17 years old.

Another aspect that is often overlooked is that McIlrath’s offensive numbers, while not overpowering (7-17-24 in 65 games), are not too shabby for someone who does what he does with an offensively challenged team. He is working on his offensive game, and possesses a heavy shot. He is young, and can work on that booming shot to maybe add more offense. He’s never going to be an elite offensive player, but you don’t draft him to be that guy. You draft him to protect your most valuable player, Henrik Lundqvist.

The Rangers filled a gaping whole in their system by drafting McIlrath. Gordie Clark has never let us down since he took over drafting, and this was clearly the guy they were targeting. The fact that guys like Etem, Tarasenko, Fowler, and Gormley were passed over by Clark for McIlrath shows you how highly they thought of him. You may not like the pick, but put your trust in Gordie. The Rangers, in a few seasons, may have one of the best defensive units in the NHL with Staal, Girardi, Del Zotto, McIlrath, and McDonagh. Championship teams have the same formula: strong goaltending, strong defense, strong centers. The Rangers, or the farm system, now has the right tools and depth in all three areas. The future looks bright.

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?

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

So with the ideal playing style, intangibles (leadership, maturity) and track record McDonagh seems set for a spot in the pro ranks but with all the rumours of his return to Wisconsin and the (unsubstantiated) panic rumour that he doesn’t want to be part of the franchise it’s still unclear what his intentions are. Glen Sather stated McDonagh and fellow Badger Derek Stepan would be at rookie camp and Stepan was promptly signed out of college. Will this decision affect McDonagh’s? Surely it will. The only obvious reasons for the pro ready McDonagh to stay in college are getting a degree and NCAA frozen four success but the latter is greatly compromised without playmaker Stepan. Will completing a degree now (rather than after the career) be enough of an incentive to spurn an entry deal of $850k plus bonuses per year?

Playing devils advocate and assuming McDonagh turns pro where would he fit? Hartford is crying out for an infusion of quality and quantity while The Rangers need quality but not quantity. The numbers game would suggest he’d start in the AHL but in terms of readiness he may be ready for New York (rookie camp will offer more insight). A lot of McDonagh’s immediate (pro) future depends on Wade Redden, Mat Gilroy and the contenders to the bottom defensive pair. Ideally McDonagh would snatch a spot and help address the unit’s need for greater physicality.  With the way Gilroy’s season ended (read: dog and house) and the potential for Redden’s departure, ‘RcM’ could be set to make an impact immediately. One promising theory could see him team up with Mike Del Zotto. Looking past the inexperience of the pair their styles compliment each other well. McDonagh while capable offensively would be the ying to MDZ’s offensive yang and the pair could grow together if they are managed closely. Personally I love the age and upside of a top 4 featuring Staal – Girardi; Del Zotto – McDonagh.

With draft day looming the next few weeks promise to be exciting and full of second guessing. Who knows, with buy out season upon us, maybe further spots open up in New York.

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

The 6’4 220lb man-child from Khabarovsk, Russia dominated the only year he played in the OHL, garnering multiple honours while racking up 40 goals and 80 points, rookie records. However, it was when he went to Hartford for the 09-10 season that Grachev fell back to earth and proved he still has a lot to learn. Make no mistake the big Russian has huge talent and remains an important piece of the Rangers going forward but if the Rangers motto of ‘dominate before you move up a level’ is true then don’t expect to see Grachev in Ranger blue next season. The statistics bear this out. Of course, this is allowing for the potential of an unbelievable training camp…

This season Grachev scored 12 goals and 28 points, had a disappointing -13 rating, only took 131 shots and went without a goal for the last 27 games of the season. That is far from dominating. What was concerning was that in games where his line mates had multiple point nights, Grachev would often be scoreless or held without shots. He failed to make a consistent impact. All this shouldn’t scare Rangers fans too much though. Don’t underestimate the step up in both quality of opponent and the grind of a full AHL season Grachev had to overcome at a young age.

Failure is often a part of growth; take Michael Jordan’s famous quote: ‘I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed’

It might be a basketball quote and it may seem extreme to quote ‘His Airness’ when talking about a hockey prospect but the point remains the same. Grachev’s struggles this year doesn’t mean he’ll regress so long as he learns from it and uses it to improve. This past season will have aided Grachev’s acclimatisation to the North American game as well as help improve the Russian’s English skills. Stats aren’t everything and these two factors are crucial for his long term development.

If Rangers fans need an example to calm their nerves look no further than Russian compatriot Artem Anisimov. The lanky pivot’s first year in Hartford was by no means dominating as he scored 16 goals and 43 points playing with AHL all star PA Parenteau. It was in his second year he broke out, dominating the league with 81 points and 37 goals in 80 games. AA proved he had mastered the AHL and was ready for promotion. Grachev must now do the same. Anisimov turned his seasoning into a solid 28 point NHL rookie year which was no mean feat given the limited ice time, limited line mates and the Rangers’ on ice struggles.

So what next for Grachev? The Rangers website may be right that he’s ahead of schedule; he’s certainly ready physically, showed determination (and maturity) to come over to North America as a teen and hopefully his English has improved but just because he’s ahead of schedule doesn’t mean he’s ready. The Rangers would be well advised not to rush Grachev. Give him good line mates in Hartford (Stepan perhaps?) and let his confidence and all round game grow. Let him score heavily and let him come to New York safe in the knowledge that he has nothing left to prove at every level he’s played.