New York Rangers: How to build the best line in hockey

BOSTON, MA -DECEMBER 16: Boston Bruins Left Wing Brad Marchand (63) tries to get past New York Rangers Defenceman Brady Skjei (76). During the Boston Bruins game against the New York Rangers on December 16, 2017 at TD Bank Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – APRIL 30: Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) prepares to shoot during the first period of an NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Playoffs game between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 30, 2018, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The right wing

David Pastrnak is a perfect example of a late first round pick paying off. He was the 25th pick overall and has been one of the stars of that draft. He’s the only forward from the 2014 draft with more points is third pick overall Leon Draisatl. Other forwards like Dylan Larkin, Kevin Fiala and William Nylander have excelled but were all picked before Pastrnak. No forward selected after Pastrnak is even close to his 94 goals and 204 points.

Pastrnak spent a half season in the AHL before being promoted and he and Aaron Ekblad were the only players from that draft to play over 40 games in 2014-15. He broke out in his third year with 34 goals and this season was almost a point a game player.

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