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New York Rangers: Top five prospects post-trade deadline

By David Bruce

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: (L-R) Head coach Alain Vigneault, general manager Jeff Gorton, 21st overall pick Filip Chytil, director of player personnel Gordie Clark, director of European scouting Nick Bobrov and the draft runner of the New York Rangers pose for a photo onstage during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: (L-R) Head coach Alain Vigneault, general manager Jeff Gorton, 21st overall pick Filip Chytil, director of player personnel Gordie Clark, director of European scouting Nick Bobrov and the draft runner of the New York Rangers pose for a photo onstage during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention: Sean Day

*Sean Day does not make the top five but was hard not to include here.

The first thing you will notice about Sean Day is his skating. He is extremely smooth on his skates, moving with speed and fluidity up the ice. He is able to beat players with ease and make end-to-end rushes like it’s nothing. Day is so far beyond his competition, skating wise, at this juncture of his career.

There were two issues concerning Day’s development prior to this season. One was his defensive hockey IQ. In spite of his terrific skating ability, Day would routinely be beaten defensively by onrushing forwards. While he has improved in this regard, there is still much work to be done. Day needs to work harder defensively and learn to use his legs to defend as well as he attacks.

The other issue with Day was his offensive production. Touted as more of an offensive, puck moving defenseman, his production in juniors never quite matched his style. Now, as a 20-year-old, he is finally producing at close to a point per game. The only concern here is that he is 20, and 20-year-olds frequently dominate juniors regardless of their future potential.

Day is the definition of a boom or bust prospect. If he booms, he will be a top-four defenseman on the Rangers. If he busts, he may just be an AHL regular for his entire career. It remains to be seen, but right now, he is the fifth best prospect this team has.

Day projects to be similar to John Moore.

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