First things first: this is a wish list for players that are realistic targets with the 28th overall pick. Of course I’d prefer Nail Yakupov to anyone on this list, but he’s not coming to New York. Second of all, while these are players that have caught my eye, it will be tough to question any pick the Blueshirts make on Friday night. Gordie Clark and the Rangers’ scouting staff have been terrific in recent years, so I’ll be on board with just about any selection they make. But if it were me running the team, these are five guys I’d target:
Tim Bozon
I’m a sucker for a good combination of speed and skill. I’m an even bigger fan of that package when it’s attached to a 6’0”, 183-pound frame. Bozon’s Swiss/French background is certainly unusual, but it doesn’t mean he’s not a great prospect. Bozon is one of the better goal-scorers in the draft and the Blueshirts could use more of that in the pipeline.
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The draft is creeping ever closer and so far there have been no clues as to whom the Rangers will pick. In typical Gordie Clark fashion, the Blueshirts have kept things close to the vest, so it’s hard to say who is on their radar. These three forwards are consistently rated in the 20-to-35 range, so they could be realistic targets with the 28th pick.
Just a reminder, all 2012 draft prospect reviews can be found on our Draft Coverage page.
Tim Bozon
Position: LW Height: 6’0″ Weight: 183
To some, Bozon is the best pure goal-scorer in the draft. The son of former St. Louis Blues forward Philippe Bozon put up lofty totals in 2011-2012, but for rookie that tallied a point-per-game (36-35-71) in his debut season with the Kamloops Blazers, Bozon has gotten relatively little attention. Perhaps Bozon’s Swiss/French background has something to do with that, but Bozon could just be one of those under the radar guys. He’s got the ability to control the puck at impressive speeds and possesses strong offensive tools and playmaking ability. Though Bozon stands at a reasonable 6-0, 183 lbs he is currently more of a perimeter player. Bozon is unafraid to launch his wicked wrist shot from the circles, but he’s not a guy that will be found in traffic often at this point. Bozon has plenty of work to do on his defensive game, but he certainly has the ability to become a big producer at the NHL level. Speed and skating have been coveted traits by the Blueshirts at the draft in recent years, so Bozon could hold some appeal.
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