Corey Promman ranks the Rangers pipeline - players under 23, inclusive of those already in the NHL, ninth overall. Last year, the team was fourth with Filip Chytil the main graduate. The rankings is largely driven by the top three, see paragraph below, already in the NHL, supplemented somewhat by those knocking on the door.
The Rangers have a deep, quality pipeline with several good young defensemen led by K’Andre Miller. Their high lottery picks in Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko are also important long-term players for this franchise even if they haven’t had the start to their careers I thought they would.
Pipeline #9: New York Rangers https://t.co/E5m9aSghSb
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) August 24, 2022
Here are the top-15 on Pronman’s list:
1. Lafrenière 2. Miller 3. Kakko 4. Schneider 5. Lundkvist 6. Othmann 7. Jones 8. Kravtsov 9. Cuylle 10. Robertson 11. McConnell-Barker 12. Sà½kora 13. Berard 14. Korczak 15. Garand
A few items stood out: - In many cases, shot was not listed, but in his commentary he noted where the player’s ability to shoot would rank - Skating ability was rated as below-average in several instances. The best amongst the skaters is Miller, who is noted as NHL average, which I think is underrating him, and Brett Berard. Not every analysis is accurate, but this is an area of concern and one we have highlighted before that needs work. - Compete level is an are where many grade high. This is not surprising since we have remarked in the past that the team has prioritized grit and will over skill with some picks. Brennan Othmann looks to have both. I think Will Cuylle does as well - Dylan Garand is projected as a third goalie/backup. Interesting that he is the only goalie in the top-15, which looks about right. His play the past season likely pushed him into the top-15 and maybe gives him a bit more helium in terms of projectability. - Laf and Brendan Schneider will remain in the list next year with Kakko and Nils Lundkvist, even if with the team, falling off. Unless Othmann, Cuylle and/or Bryce McConnell-Barker take major steps forward, look for the team to drop down significantly in needy year’s ratings.