Entry Draft season is upon us, and with such a highly talented draft class, anticipation is high. With the New York Rangers receiving the ninth overall pick this year, plus trading for two additional picks in the first round, there is a lot riding on the draft.
Prior to the 2017 Entry Draft, the New York Rangers hadn’t had a first round draft pick since 2012. The Rangers had two in the first round in 2017 for the first time since 2004.
This was a result of the Rangers using a win now mentality — trading away their future to try to win a Stanley Cup.
Now, with the Rangers moving in a new direction, with a new focus to build a roster with a new identity the 2018 Entry Draft has the potential to impact the Rangers for years to come.
The three picks they have in the first round this year is an unprecedented number. In addition, it is the second year in a row they will have a top 10 pick (as they received number seven from Arizona last season as a part of the Stepan deal).
We take a look back and evaluate the best first round picks over the last decade.