With the NHL Entry Draft next week, time for the New York Rangers organization to add to their stable and restock to the future.
New York Rangers
In the third round, the Rangers will have the 89th selection. Of course, the team can choose any direction to address their needs. They may go best available at a position or best player available.
If the team goes by the latter, they could choose Alexandre Carrier of the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), ranked 89th by NHL Central Scouting. Originally from Quebec, the 19-year old is thought of as a good two-way defenseman.
Depending on which draft ranking you desire, his height and weight vary. Per eliteprospects.com, the defenseman is listed at 5’11 and weighing 174 lbs.
He has been described as a very good puck-moving defenseman that would be a steal for a team that drafts Carrier. When researching this young man, it is hard to argue with that sentiment.
Carrier doesn’t have the offensive stats that blow on-lookers away. In his three years with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL, he amassed 90 points (17 goals, 73 assists) in 185 games. His offensive numbers came last season with 12 goals and 43 assists in 68 games played.
But, it’s what he can bring to a team that selects him that makes him an attractive selection. Carrier has garnered praise for his puck-moving ability, versatile skating, on-ice vision, and is able to play in any situation he is called upon. A well-rounded player, Carrier could be an asset the Rangers may want to target and add to their blue line in Hartford. Though, he would face stiff competition in front of him along the way to the NHL, he has the potential of making the grade.
Just like Jeremy Bracco in our last Draft Target article, Carrier’s downside is that of height and weight. He would be a smaller player, compared to last season’s defenseman in Hartford (all defensemen were 6’0 or higher).
Also, Carrier could do with some added pounds on his frame to make him more competitive in the paint, making it difficult to be pushed away from in front of the net.
Per thehockeywriters.com on Carrier:
"“Carrier may be getting lost in the sea of competent D-men this draft year, but after watching this kid play no one leaves the game underwhelmed; he brings almost every tool to the table and he does it with impressive consistency…There are bigger defensemen available in this draft; there are meaner ones available; there are ones with harder shots; but there may not be any quite as complete as Alexandre Carrier.”"
Patience with Carrier will need to be heeded. He won’t make an immediate impact for the big club. There are already players ahead of him that are promising in that department.
With Carrier, given time to increase his game and he could be turning heads and making players think twice about their jobs.
Next: New York Rangers Top Three Undrafted Players
More from Blue Line Station
- Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
- Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
- Rangers’ Roster Chatter: Who’s Making the Cut and Who’s in the Penalty Box?
- Jacque Plante Trade Tree Between the Rangers and Canadiens
- These Rangers must learn Peter Laviolette’s ropes before they can fly