New York Rangers: Five players to target with early first rounder

The nightmarish 2017-18 NHL season is mercifully almost over for the New York Rangers. Since the team will not be qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2010, it is time to turn our attention to the NHL Draft in June.

For the first time in what seems like forever, the New York Rangers will not be competing for hockey’s ultimate prize. While this is sad, it was ultimately time to rebuild. This team certainly wasn’t good enough to win the Stanley Cup, or even a playoff round for that matter, and it would’ve been folly to assume otherwise.

Jeff Gorton has done a nice job of jumpstarting this rebuild, acquiring two additional first round picks, in addition to the Rangers’ own first. For today, however, we will only be looking at the New York Rangers’ own first rounder, which will, barring a disaster, be in the top 10.

As it stands right now, provided the Rangers don’t jump into the top three, or win the lottery, they will be picking ninth overall. However, if the Rangers lose their finale against Philadelphia and both Chicago and Edmonton win their last game, the Rangers would jump up to seventh overall.

There are many talented prospects to be had in the Rangers’ range. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at five players that the New York Rangers should be targeting with their early first round pick.

Quinn Hughes

Quinn Hughes, older brother of next year’s projected number one overall pick, Jack Hughes, is a standout defenseman for the University of Michigan. He is one of the team’s best players, and played a large role in leading Michigan to the NCAA Frozen Four, where they ultimately lost to Notre Dame in the semifinal. Hughes posted a stat line of 5-24-29 in 37 games this year.

The first thing that you notice about Hughes is his impeccable skating ability. His strides look effortless, and he is incredibly smooth. Out of all of the American defensemen eligible for this draft, Hughes is far and away the best of the bunch.

Another quality of Hughes’s that stands out is his poise. He is always very composed, and rarely, if ever, turns the puck over when facing pressure. His puck control is also second to none.

He is an outstanding playmaker who threads the needle with his passes. In addition, Hughes possess a quick, booming shot. His play in his own zone is also pretty sound, in terms of both positioning and gap control.

Hughes has the potential to be a top-pairing rearguard in the NHL for years to come, and the Rangers would be wise to snap him up if he falls to them.

Evan Bouchard

A slick offensive-defenseman, Evan Bouchard currently serves as the captain of the OHL’s London Knights. He’s a bit bigger than most offensive defensemen, measuring in at 6’2″ and 193 lbs. He is an outstanding passer with the potential to develop into a top pairing D-man and power play quarterback.

As previously stated, his passing ability is absolutely impeccable, and he also possess a very hard shot. One flaw in Bouchard’s game is that he isn’t the fastest player, but his agility makes up for it. In his own end, his impeccable timing and his long reach are enough to stifle and frustrate opponents who try to bear down on him.

In 67 games with the Knights this season, Bouchard posted a stat line of 25-62-87. His offensive ability is obviously his biggest strength, but he is more than capable in the defensive zone, as well.

Bouchard will most likely be there at nine, and if the New York Rangers don’t move up and select either Hughes or Wahlstrom, Bouchard would be a great get.

Noah Dobson

Another defenseman, Noah Dobson currently plays for the QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan. He’s a big body, at 6’3″, but is a little lanky for his size, at 178 lbs. He is very rangy, and is a mobile defenseman.

He is more of a two-way player than somebody like Evan Bouchard, but he still has no trouble putting up points. In 67 games with Acadie-Bathurst this season, Dobson put up a stat line of 17-52-69.

He is very quick, and moves the puck quite well. Because of this, he should be able to quarterback an NHL power play. He is a strong skater, who plays well in all three zones. He is very agile, and can change direction on a dime.

Defensively, he is very impressive when he engages in one-on-one battles. His gap control is a big strength, and opponents seem to have a very hard time getting around him.

Dobson is another defenseman who should be around when the Rangers pick, and he would be a great choice for them.

Ty Smith

Our final prospect on this list is Ty Smith. Based on all but one of the other players that we’ve covered, can you guess what position he plays? If you guessed defense, you’re correct.

Smith currently plays for the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League. In 69 games this season, he’s posted a stat line of 14-59-73. While he is a bit on the smaller side, at 5’10” and 170 lbs., that really doesn’t mean much.

He is an outstanding two way player whose vision and hockey IQ are off the charts. He is incredibly mobile, and often sees things on the ice that other players do not. His skating and agility are incredible, and as a result, he almost never gets caught out of position.

He has a very hard and accurate shot, and can quarterback a power play with the best of them. Smith’s passes are incredibly crisp and seamless. He is very reliable in all three zones and is a good leader.

Smith is an outstanding player with the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman for years to come, and the Rangers would be very wise to snap him up if all of the aforementioned players have been selected.

Next: New York Rangers: Brady Skjei and the Future

While this has obviously been a disappointing season for the New York Rangers, the future looks bright. If the Rangers are able to snag one of these players with their first rounder, plus two more talented players with their other late firsts, it will go a long way to moving this rebuild forward, and getting the Rangers back to contention as quickly as possible.