New York Rangers: What if the Rangers picked Getzlaf over Jessiman?
The New York Rangers had two first round draft picks in the 2017 Entry Draft. Over the years, the Rangers have made some questionable picks, particularly in the first round. One of the most glaring was drafting forward Hugh Jessiman in the first round of the stacked 2003 NHL Draft.
Simply put, the New York Rangers have struggled drafting in the first round. For as many great picks like J.T. Miller and Brady Skjei, the Rangers have drafted a bust. One of the biggest bust players was picked in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
In a draft that changed the fortunes of many franchises with the addition of an immediate impact, the Rangers had the number 12 overall pick. With this pick, the Rangers chose winger Hugh Jessiman out of Dartmouth. In total, Jessiman played in two NHL games, none for the Rangers.
The quality of player drafted after Jessiman is astounding. Players drafted in the first round after Jessiman include Dustin Brown and Brent Seabrook, drafted 13 and 14 respectively, Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, and Brent Burns among more top-tier NHL players.
So, now the question stands, what if the Rangers ended up drafting someone like Getzlaf, who I think is the best of the rest, over Jessiman? Realistically, nobody knows. Both the player and the team would likely be very different.
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How Getzlaf would be different
The season following his draft year, Getzlaf grabbed a roster spot on the Ducks outright. However, midway through the season, he was demoted and finished the year in the AHL. Had he played on the Rangers, he very well may have stayed with the NHL club.
The Rangers’ 2005-2006 roster wasn’t all that talented. It was held afloat by the great play of rookie goalie Henrik Lundqvist and three veteran forwards, Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander, and Martin Straka. Playing with any of those forwards would have helped Getzlaf’s progression into the type of player he is today: a brilliant all-around power forward with a great eye for passing.
His play would have had to change after three seasons, though. John Tortorella became the Rangers’ head coach and changed the style of the team. Tortorella held all of his players to the same standard. Everyone had to play solid defense and block shots.
Nowadays, Getzlaf’s defensive game would be leagues better after playing under a coach like Tortorella. However, that isn’t to say Getzlaf’s offensive game would struggle. Getzlaf is primarily a top-tier offensive player and that likely wouldn’t change.
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How the Rangers would be different
So many things with the Rangers could be different at this point. Instead of needing a top center in the following years, the team would be focusing on other aspects of the team. In turn, this could lead to a vast change in today’s roster.
The Rangers signed Scott Gomez to a long-term contract in 2007. The following year, Gomez was traded to Montreal for a package that included current Rangers’ captain Ryan McDonagh. Without the need for a top center, Rangers’ general manager at the time, Glen Sather, may not have felt the need to sign Gomez.
On the other hand, the Rangers have made their fair share of deep playoff runs in the last 14 years. With a premier center and playoff producer like Getzlaf, many of those runs would be even longer. And in the case of the Rangers’ run to the Stanley Cup final, who’s to say that the Rangers don’t extend the series or even win it?
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Of course this is all speculation, but its the dog days of summer, and I can’t help but sit here and wonder what if. Nobody knows what could’ve been. But,we can still imagine big name players like Getzlaf on the ice in a blue sweater.