New York Rangers: Top five first round picks in the Lundqvist Era
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.
5. Michael Del Zotto
Michael Del Zotto was one of the best offensive defensive draft picks the Rangers landed in the first round — maybe ever. They drafted him 20th overall in the 2008 Entry Draft, he would spend five years in New York prior to a trade to Nashville for defenseman Kevin Klein.
He played his first full season with the Rangers when he was just 19 years old, and was hard to miss. He played in 80 of the Rangers’ 82 games and recorded nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points.
However, he had a sluggish sophomore season, was sent to the minors by Rangers’ former head coach John Tortorella and ended the year with just 11 points (two goals, nine assists, 47 games). He would bounce back in the 2011-12 season, posting 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) but he would never have the opportunity to produce to those standards again.
Tortorella’s termination and the hiring of Alain Vigneault, a coach known for his admiration of defensive defensemen, all but put the final nail in the coffin for Del Zotto.
Under different circumstances, perhaps with a different head coach hire, Del Zotto’s high-caliber offensive ability and responsible defensive play would have been a great addition to a Rangers defense that has struggled to generate offense over the past few seasons.
The Rangers’ selection of Del Zotto was a good one, however, they never took advantage of just how much promise he had.
4. J.T. Miller
J.T. Miller was selected 15th overall in the 2011 Entry Draft and spent just two full seasons with the New York Rangers.
Miller is a strong power forward whose speed and strength allow him to create dangerous chances on net. In six years and 341 games for the Rangers, Miller recorded 72 goals and 100 assists for 172 points.
Miller spent most of his time on the second and third line in his time with the New York Rangers, and clearly managed to find success in his time on the team.
In a blockbuster trade at the deadline this February, the Rangers traded Miller to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The deal, which also included former captain Ryan McDonagh, gave the Rangers one asset that was actively on the roster this season in Vladislav Namestnikov.
Miller took over Namestnikov’s duties on the Lightning’s top line with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov and recorded eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in their last 19 games of the regular season. In addition, he has seven points (two goals, five assists) in their 12 playoff games thus far.
It is no secret that Alain Vigneault and J.T. Miller had issues with one another. Under different circumstances, Miller could have developed into much more than he managed to in his time with the Rangers. He was a solid first round draft pick that the Rangers never seemed to get the most out of.
3. Brady Skjei
Twenty-seven teams passed on Brady Skjei.
TWENTY SEVEN.
The New York Rangers selected Skjei 28th overall in the 2012 Entry Draft. He is one the best defensive picks the Rangers have made in the last decade, especially in light of how the Dylan McIlrath selection played out just two years prior.
Skjei has played in 169 games for the New York Rangers and has recorded nine goals and 55 assists for 64 points.
A majority of these points came during his first full season in the league in 2016-17. Skjei definitely had a bit of a sophomore slump, but many of his struggles can be attributed to external factors.
He has proven to be a reliable defenseman that understands how to play the blue line and the offensive zone while still being responsible. With more guidance and room to make mistakes, Skjei could be a top two way defenseman in the NHL.
The Rangers landed Skjei lower than he probably deserved to be picked. And with the promise he has shown in his first two seasons on the team, he is a player that will undoubtedly be a vital piece on the roster in years to come.
2. Marc Staal
Though Marc Staal has seen a drop off in his play over the past few years, when the Rangers selected him 12th overall in the 2005 Entry Draft, they got it right.
Staal was a force for the Rangers early in his career serving as a lights out, shutdown defenseman. His steady, reliable play consistently made a salient impact in the Rangers performance.
However, repeated head injuries greatly impacted his ability to play and be consistent. He missed the first 36 games of the 2011-12 season due to concussion-like symptoms.
In 2013, Staal suffered a gruesome eye injury, after being hit in the face by a slapshot. He would miss the final 27 games 2012-13 season and missed 11 of the team’s 12 playoff games.
Staal also missed 10 games during the 2013-14 because of a concussion he suffered mid-season against the New Jersey Devils.
But after a solid performance in the Rangers Stanley Cup Finals in 2014, the Rangers signed Staal to a six year contract extension. This locked the 28 year old down through 2021, and we have only seen a steep decline in the quality of Staal’s play.
Regardless of all of this, Staal played some great years of hockey with the organization and helped the team get close to winning it all.
While the current situation makes the decision to extend questionable, when it comes to Staal as a first round draft pick, he should be remembered as a great one.
1. Chris Kreider
Kreider joined the team during the rangers postseason run at the end of the 2011-12 season and made a big impact in his first NHL games.
Kreider appeared in 18 games with the Rangers and recorded five goals and two assists for seven points.
Two of these five goals were game-winners. The first came in Game 6 of the Rangers series against Ottawa, and was the goal that sent the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final. The second was in Game 1 against Washington, where he also had an assist on Brad Richard’s goal which sealed the 3-1 victory.
Since then, he has established himself as a key player in the Rangers identity. In 381 career games, Kreider has 105 goals and 114 assists for 219 points.
A true power forward, his style of play and the speed and strength he uses both in transition and in front of the net make him a threat through all zones.
And there is likely more to see from Kreider. He hit the 50-point mark the 2016-17 season, playing in just 75 games. A blood clot sidelined him for 24 games this season, and had he played the full season, he likely would have reached this again.
He could easily be a 60+ point player. He has the talent, but just needs more consistency. The young roster and new leadership behind the bench in the 2018-19 season will bring out the best in Kreider. I say we see him play some of his best hockey next season.
Next: Five unrestricted free agents to target
With all of this being said, the Rangers got it right when they selected Kreider. He impact early on, has helped shape the roster, and because his impact can still be felt six seasons later.