New York Rangers: A look back at the lackluster 2015 NHL Draft

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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 25: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Sergey Zborovskiy (3rd Round, 79th overall)

This pick was a bit of a head-scratcher. Zborovskiy was also considered a reach, and way too slow to be an NHL caliber defenseman. When the Rangers selected him, the thinking was Zborovskiy could be a solid two-way defender. His 6-foot-3 frame was also attractive despite his lack of speed and acceleration.

Known as a stay at home defenseman, Zborovskiy signed an entry-level contract heading into the 2016-2017 season and peaked offensively when he tallied seven goals and 33 assists for 40 points in 63 games.

Despite this, Zborovskiy was recently sent to the ECHL following training camp. The ECHL is a tier below the AHL, which should concern the Rangers that Zborovskiy isn’t ready yet. If Zborovskiy was a fine NHL peospect, the thinking is he would be ready by now. Zborovskiy was definitely a risk, and we’ll still have to wait to see if the 20-year-old was worth the reward.

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