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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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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 19: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Libor Hajek (43) during the NHL preseason game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning on September 19, 2017, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 19: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Libor Hajek (43) during the NHL preseason game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning on September 19, 2017, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Libor Hajek

Acquired in the massive return for Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller, Libor Hajek becomes the Rangers fifth-best prospect. Hajek is pretty much the antithesis of what Sean Day hopes to be. He won’t dazzle you with end-to-end rushes, dangles or single-handed plays. What he will do is everything, and he’ll do everything very well.

That is both the blessing and the curse of Hajek. He is smart on the defensive side of the puck, a shutdown defenseman with nice size and skating ability. He can contribute offensively with a good eye and a big shot. Where it’s a curse: he isn’t quite elite at any one thing, he’s just good at everything.

What the Rangers lack is a player that excels at an elite level at one particular skill, a potential star defenseman or forward. Now, Hajek not projecting to be that is not a critique of him. He will be a very good player at the NHL level and the Rangers should certainly appreciate that. Expecting him to be an elite defenseman may lead to disappointment, though.

However, again, Hajek will certainly be a strong NHL defenseman, most likely a very good middle pair guy who can play in all situations. What the Rangers like about him is how close he is to NHL ready. It is believed that Hajek can step into the Rangers lineup as soon as next season. Because of this, he is the Rangers number five prospect.

Libor Hajek compares favorably to a younger Dion Phaneuf.

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