New York Rangers: Ranking young defense candidates for the third pair
By Josh Lipman
#4. Neal Pionk
Aside from Day, Neal Pionk is the only player on this list with no professional experience. The Rangers scored a coup in May when they signed Pionk away from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. One of the top NCAA free agents, Pionk broke out in his 16-17 sophomore season with 34 points in 42 games.
Pionk offers an interesting combination of readiness and potential. Though he lacks size at 5’11” and 181 lbs, he has a reputation for physical play. Pionk’s also a great skater with an excellent shot.
As a highly sought amateur free agent, the Rangers likely guaranteed Pionk at least a real chance at a spot in camp. Unlike Canadian juniors, which is mostly teenagers, NCAA hockey features players as old as 24 or 25. Even if he starts off in Hartford, Pionk might not take more than a few months to reach Madison Square Garden.