And the Rangers Draft… (part 2)

A little while ago we looked at the first batch of potential Rangers draft picks in the upcoming 2012 NHL draft. With the Rangers assured of a playoff spot we know they’ll be drafting in the latter half of the first round and, hopefully, right at the end of the round thanks to the deepest of playoff runs and a Cup.

Don’t forget: As we look at potential Rangers targets we’ll consider a realistic drafting position and players likely to fall around where the Rangers are likely to pick. At this stage the Rangers are looking at drafting between 25-30th. Let’s take another look at some potential picks

Mike Matheson

Position: D Height: 6’1″ Weight: 180

The Rangers have had success drafting players destined for college in recent years and should they feel the need to draft another defenseman they may head that route once more with Matheson. With the USHL standout headed to Boston College (Kreider) the Rangers know he’ll be in good hands. Beyond Mike Del Zotto the Rangers have a dearth of offensive defenseman in the organisation (even Erixon is more of a two way player) so if they feel the need to add another potential PP solution Matheson should be there in the last parts of the first round.

Matheson has 22 points and 9 goals and is considered to love the physical side of the game while a good skater. Where he ends up in the draft varies wildly so he could be another ‘off the radar’ pick.

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And the Rangers draft…

Over the next few weeks attention will naturally be on the Rangers sprint towards the finish line, a possible President’s trophy and home advantage in the playoffs; as it should be. However we like to do things a little different here from time to time. Why are the Rangers looking at the President’s trophy? Good drafting that’s why.

The current roster is littered with Rangers own draft picks; from Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan to Marc Staal, Artem Anisimov and Carl Hagelin. The core is very much a home grown one. With the likes of Chris Kreider and JT Miller on the way the pipeline is still very full. That’s because Gordie Clark and the Rangers continue to draft well and keep a focus on the future. With that said, over the next few weeks we’ll begin to look at players that may be called up to the stage in June’s draft by your very own Rangers.

As we do this we’ll consider a realistic drafting position and players likely to fall around where the Rangers are likely to pick. At this stage the Rangers are looking at drafting between 25-30th. Hopefully 30, if you know what I’m getting at.

Without further ado; here are the first few candidates that may appeal to the Rangers.

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