The Rangers did not have a first round pick Friday, but got some mention, as the pick they sent to Tampa in the Martin St. Louis was dealt to the Islanders, who selected Josh Ho-Sang. Several of us, including myself, was hoping Ho-Sang, whose talent is top-10 and maturity leaves a lot to be desired, slipped enough where the Rangers could make a play for him. He did slip, right to where NY would've been and a good move by Garth Snow to move up to get him, though Ho-Sang for now will be linked to the mini-rant by Snow when making the pick.
The Rangers on Saturday selected two goalies, three defenseman, a left winger and a center. Many of us though they would focus on offense and add a goalie for depth, but the strategy was to bolster depth throughout the organization with no set pattern in terms of specific focus as to players drafted. New York acquired a third round pick (85th overall) from Vancouver on Friday for Derek Dorsett. They then made a pair of trades to add two picks during the draft Saturday, dealing their 89th pick to Washington for their 104th and 118th picks and their 119th pick to Tampa for their 140th and 142nd picks. The Rangers ultimately made all seven of their picks between the second and fifth rounds.
The picks are listed below with some scouting reports taken from the Sports Forecaster, the Rangers website, what was posted by several of you on the blog and the Hockey News draft preview. I liked the moving down to get picks. Loved the Iverson pick, as he potentially fills a major need, and swinging for the fences on Halverson. If the latter pans out, he could be the team's goalie of the future, which is something Gord Clark said as well. Mantha has upside, if big and physical and projects to be more than he is right now. Overall, a solid draft, though one that went in a different direction than we expected.
Brandon Halverson - G - Selected 59th overall, 6'4'', 176, born March 29, 1996
Pros - Very tall, he has the projectable size NHL teams love from the goaltending position these days. Is very good at tracking the puck through traffic
Cons - Needs to fill out in order to gain greater stamina to become a quality professional netminder. Still needs more work on the technical aspects of the position
Career Projection: Big, raw goaltender with upside
Halverson was limited to just 19 OHL games in his first junior season as the backup to Matt Murray, the Penguins' 2012 third-round pick. Murray will turn pro next year, opening the door for far more playing time for Halverson in what could be a breakout campaign. Halverson posted a 1.46 GAA and .953 SV% in four playoff games for Sault Ste. Marie. They say he needs work on his positioning and we happen to have one of the best in the business in that regard in Allaire
Keegan Iverson, C - Selected 85th overall, 6'1'', 200, born April 5, 1996 (RH)
"Big, thick, potential power winger in the making. Plays a robust take no prisoners style that has him leaving the opposition looking for him and losing track of the play. Willing to drop the gloves and do the dirty work in front of the net. Far from a proven scorer, he does have the strength, energy, and passion to continue improving his offensive abilities. Does possess a heavy shot and soft hands that get the puck to teammates to provide scoring chances"
Ryan Mantha, D - Selected 104th overall, 6'5 225, born June 18, 1996 (RH)
Has been man-sized since he was 16, and was converted to a dee-man due to his size and temperament. Has a big, right-handed hard shot from the point and is good at getting the puck to his mates. He will need more lateral ability to close better, but he does a fine job of clearing the front and protecting teammates. Nephew of former NHLer Moe Mantha. Was named to the USA Developmental team playing in the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Was named to the U.S. World Junior A roster for the Junior A Challenge
Igor Shesterkin, G - Selected 118th overall, 6'1'' 187, born December 30, 1985
"Russian goaltender who dominated the MHL junior league before being elevated to the KHL parent club. Agile and and good angie goalie. Whomever takes him will wait and see if the selection pays off." He is expected to play the full season for Spartak this year.
Richard Nejezchleb, LW - Selected 122nd overall, 6'2'' 203, born May 2, 1994 (LH)
Injury history but was healthy last season, posting 33 goals and 24 assists with 75 PIM froM Brandon of the WHL. Likely to turn pro and could end up at Hartford.
Daniel Walcott, D - Selected 140th overall, 5'11" 161, born February 19, 1994 (LH)
Not drafted last season after he layer at a small college but took a step up this year, his first in the QMJHL. Had 10 goals, 29 assists and a +15 rating in 67 games. Viewed as a two-way defenseman.
Tyler Nanne, D - Selected 142nd overall, 5'10" 176, born March 17, 1996 (RH)
Smallish, offensive minded defenseman. Name reflects strong hockey bloodlines, as he is the grandson of Hall of Famer Lou Nanne. Slated to play this year at The Ohio State University.
A focus on the Rangers free agents, especially a rant on what GM Glen Sather ids doing - or really not doing - to come.