Henrik Lundqvist has been the backbone, the heart and soul of the New York Rangers since his rookie year in 2005-2006. Although it may be hard to believe, Lundqvist is only human and is getting older. At 32 years old, he will definitely be around for seasons to come, especially when you consider his competitive nature. However, there will come a time down the road where number 30 is hanging from the rafters in Madison Sqaure Garden and a new net minder will have the reins in New York. It could be Cam Talbot, but he’s no kid at age 27. If the Rangers management wishes to go young, they’re going to have to look at their prospect pool. Who is fit to succeed “The King”?
Brandon Halverson
Halverson, 18, is a tall, lanky goalie from Traverse City, Michigan standing at 6’4 and 180 lbs. He was drafted in the 2nd round (59th overall) in 2014 and is currently playing with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL. Brandon is known to be steady with his glove and blocker but gets into trouble with his rebound control, which some could argue is a very coach-able. He has a knack for tracking the puck through traffic, a vital skill at the NHL level. Unlike Lundqvist, Halverson’s best attribute is handing the puck outside the crease. He loves to make the long outlet pass to the blue line, especially on the power play, and is very vocal while doing so. He is a butterfly keeper but there is no denying his mechanics need work. In terms of potential to succeed, Halverson may take the cake. His massive frame coupled with his smooth, athletic movements are similar to that of Tampa Bay Lightning’s goalie Ben Bishop. The highlight of his young career came in 2013-2014 while attending an OHL camp with the Greyhounds before joining the Oakland Junior Grizzlies U18 team in Troy, Michigan. Halverson posted a 2.88 GAA and a .906 SV % in 21 games and went on to go 2-1-1 in four playoff games with a 1.46 GAA and a .953 SV %.
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Igor Shestyorkin
Shestyorkin is a 6’0, 185 pound 19 year old horse from Moscow, Russia. The Rangers selected Igor in the 4th round (118th overall) in 2014 and is playing for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. Igor’s style models that of the all-time great Dominik Hasek and current Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick. He moves laterally from post to post very effectively, which coincides with his extraordinary, reactionary method of play. Often times he is forced to make sprawled out desperation saves because of his lack of fundamental techniques but he’s never counted out by forwards. If Shestyorkin became the man in New York, it would be quite the radical change because Lundqvist has been known as a “stay at home” goaltender with very little sporadic movements his whole career. Igor also had a excellent 2013-2014 campaign with the Spartak Moscow. He stopped 18 of 19 shots in his KHL debut during the Nadezhda Cup and then in 23 regular season games he went 14-5-4 with 5 shutouts and a 1.42 GAA. He was then ranked ninth amongst International goalies in Central Scouting’s mid term rankings prior to the 2014 NHL Draft.
Mackenzie Skapski
The 6’3, 185 pound Skapski’s hometown is Abbotsford, British Columbia. He was drafted in the 6th round (170th overall) in 2013 and after spending 2011-2014 with the Kootenay Ice in the WHL, Skapski is now with the Ranger’s AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack. Skapski is a very raw talent with tremendous upside; goalie coach Benoit Allaire and the coaching staff are particular enthralled with him. Skapski’s athleticism has outweighed his ineptitude at tracking pucks thus far, some are doubtful that will continue at the professional level. Similar to Shestyorkin, he possesses an unorthodox game that features desperation saves. If Skapski can learn to control his movements, he can be invaluable to a future Rangers club. In 2012-2013, he took over as a starter in his second season with the Kootenay Ice. He was 34-25-1 in 65 games with 7 shutouts, a 2.78 GAA, and .910 SV %. According to the Central Scouting’s final rankings, he is the 17th best goalie amonst North Americans.
Since goalies take a considerable amount of time to develop, it’s important the Rangers jumped on these young studs. Who will be manning the pipes for the Rangers in the future? The American sensation, the Russian phenom, or the North American wonder? Only time will tell. For now, let’s enjoy our King while he’s still in power.