New York Rangers: Top Prospects Review 10-6
A deeper look at the best prospects in the Rangers system
Here’s part three of my prospect rankings, these players are the best prospects in the Rangers system in the top 10. You can find parts one and two, here and here respectively.
10. Aleksi Saarela
19 years old, Center, 3rd round pick 89th overall.
With Anthony Duclair traded, Saarela was in a similar situation as Duclair when he was drafted. Duclair was first round talent selected late in the third round and injuries scared teams away. Which is exactly why Saarela fell so late in the third round, and now assuming he can stay healthy this could turn into another Duclair pick. Saarela has a pretty similar game to Duclair’s as well, Duclair is more of a speedy sniper and Saarela is more of a speedy playmaker who has a great shot as well.
Saarela’s numbers/points aren’t anything that will turn you upside down, but they are more than fine for being under 20 years of age. Saarela has 23 points in 37 games played in arguably the 4th best hockey league in the world the SM-liiga. He also won a gold medal with Finland in this past World Juniors and assisted on the overtime golden goal to Kasperi Kapanen. Saarela was Finland’s top line center and really dominated the tournament by registering 7 points in 7 games.
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It’s tough to say where Saarela will end up, but considering where the Rangers picked him it looks like a decent valued pick. But it’s still way too early, the bottom line is Saarela needs to stay healthy, if he can do that than he has chance to reach his full potential. I assume Saarella will spend atleast one more season in the SM-ligga before coming over to North America, because he isn’t old enough to play in the AHL just yet. Also I’m sure he would rather play where he’s closer to home before he turns 20.
9. Robin Kovacs
19 years old, Winger, 3rd round pick 62nd overall.
Its was shocking to see Robin Kovacs held off the World Junior Championship roster for Team Sweden, with all the offensive talent he could have brought. A big flaw in his game is taking bad penalties at crucial parts of the game, and it’s something he needs to grow out of. But on the other hand New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider for a while took needless penalties in the offensive zone especially. Kreider has shown improvement in that area, but still on occasion it happens and he’s 24 years old and a crucial part of the Rangers lineup.
The hope is keeping Kovacs off the world junior roster sends a constructive message, and he learns from it. Other than his bad penalties his overall game with and without the puck will need some improvement and he’ll have plenty of time as he is signed for another two years in Sweden. Kovacs has had great production this season and has had a nice jump from last season. In 52 games played with AIK last season Kovacs had just 28 points, this season with AIK he has already 27 points in 36 games.
Kovacs is currently playing on a loan in AIK, so he’ll likely spend atleast another season in Sweden. I’d then imagine he would play for Rogle BK in SHL next season. Next season will be a big challenge for Kovacs, as he will be playing along side with men. Kovacs might have some struggles at first, which is totally normal for his age, but playing in one of the best hockey leagues in the world could benefit him.
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8. Ryan Gropp
19 years old, Winger, 2nd round pick 61st overall.
Ryan Gropp just over a month ago signed a 3 year entry level contract with the Rangers, meaning he will play in the AHL or ECHL next season. Gropp isn’t old enough to play in the AHL just yet, so he’ll finish his season in the WHL and try to make Hartford Wolf Pack’s roster out of training camp. Assuming he does, Gropp will probably atleast two seasons down in Hartford to adjust to a higher level.
Gropp so far in the 2015-2016 season in the WHL has 46 points in 46 games, and is on track to finish his season with over 60 points. That would be a nice season for him, but he would still need to prove that he isn’t a product of New York Islanders prospect Matthew Barzal like many believe.
As Gordie Clark has valued in drafts, Gropp is another player with size and speed. Now he isn’t as fast as Rangers 4th round pick Daniel Bernhardt, but Gropp is still a great skater who is a better shooter than most players who have size and speed. Gropp is also great at driving the net, finishing rebounds on the door step, and he can score goals in many different ways. This doesn’t mean that Gropp is a better prospect than both Kovac’s and Saarela, but he is ahead of both of them and is closer to playing in the NHL. His season highlights from last year can be seen down below.
20 years old, Goaltender, 4th round pick 118th overall.
Shesterkin, who has been moved all over the place between the KHL and the VHL, has nothing left to prove in the VHL. He has dominated that league especially this season, by posting 1.14 goals against average and .954 save percentage. Shesterkin has also played well at the KHL level this year, but due to SKA’s roster being so deep just about everywhere including their goaltenders, it’s been tough for him to find playing time in the KHL this year.
Shesterkin after this years KHL season will have one more year remaining on his two year contract he signed with SKA. My guess for next season is Shesterkin will become the full time back up or atleast maintain the majority of the backup role for SKA. Depending on how he plays between now and the end of next year, he might come to North America after his contract expires.
It also wouldn’t surprise me if Shesterkin stayed in the KHL until he had a legitimate shot to get starting goaltender experience. Or he can come to North America and probably have a better shot at becoming starting net minder in Hartford. If Shesterkin decides to come to North America and agrees to an entry level contract with the Rangers, he will like all goaltenders need AHL experience. Shesterkin could of course stay in Russia for another season or so, but the longer he stays in the KHL the more the window closes for having any future with the Rangers.
6. Ryan Graves
20 years old, Defensemen, 4th round pick 110th overall.
Based upon what it looks like right now Ryan Graves should be on track to becoming the Wolfpack’s number one defensemen next season. With Brady Skjei more than likely to have a role with the Rangers and possibly Mat Bodie as well, Graves will be the top defensemen. The Rangers are lacking in quality of defensive prospects, but Graves certainly is far from that.
Graves really shined in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts last season, tallying 39 points in 50 games. Along with that, Graves was able to earn himself a well deserved spot in Hartford’s top 4 defensive core for the majority of the season. Graves is a huge defensive defensemen with a cannon of a slapshot, it makes him a valuable trigger man for the powerplay. Grave’s slapshot is so deadly he won the hardest shot contest at the AHL All Star Game with a slapshot of 103.4 mph. Graves is only 20 years of age and he recorded the third hardest slapshot in AHL history.
Graves is strong against the boards, he’s physical, he uses his size well and he’s not afraid to fight and stick up for his teammates. While Grave’s size and bulk is ready for the NHL, he still isn’t NHL ready and won’t be in all likelihood until the 2017-2018 regular season. Graves has had an up and down season in Hartford, while Grave’s point total has been low this season 15 points in 45 games for a first year AHL defensemen isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Next: New York Rangers top prospects 15-11
As Hartford’s top defensemen next year that point total will be going up. Graves needs to show a little bit more consistency, but so far I can’t really complain about his current play in the AHL. Graves has the potential to be a top 4 defensemen with the way he’s been trending.