Rangers keep drafting well

We know the Rangers only had four picks in the 2012 NHL draft but the more you read across the internet-hockey-universe the more it seems the Rangers keep getting it right.

How much stock you place in the Hockey News is entirely up to you (some of their writers enjoy sensationalising at times) but going by the recent International scouting service (ISS) head’s column on their website it may appear the Rangers grabbed another draft steal with Calle Andersson’s selection in the fourth round.

Most people (myself included) know little of Andersson despite his solid year in Swedish juniors. What we do know is that he is known to be a potential powerplay quarterback with great size and solid ability and according to the above linked column has outperformed more highly touted draft picks including first rounder’s such as Hampus Lindholm who was drafted sixth overall by the Ducks this year.

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The right year to make a high-risk, high-reward pick

The New York Rangers are scheduled to select 28^th overall in the June draft (barring a trade for Rick Nash) meaning they will make their first pick later than they have since 2002, when New York selected center Lee Falardeau 33^rd overall out of Michigan State.

By pick number 28, all of the “can’t miss” prospects will be long gone and there won’t be a whole lot of top talent still available, which leaves the Rangers in an interesting position.

The organization has done a tremendous job assembling prospect depth in recent years and currently boasts an embarrassment of riches.

On defense, the Blueshirts have three All-Star caliber players under the age of 29 and top prospects Tim Erixon and Dylan McIlrath on the way as well.

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