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New York Rangers: Top three prospects at every position

By Peter Reichert

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 03: Kevin Hayes #13 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal with his team bench during the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 3, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 03: Kevin Hayes #13 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal with his team bench during the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 3, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 05: Filip Chytil
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 05: Filip Chytil /

Center

Center is probably the Rangers’ deepest position on the depth chart. they have three quality, young center prospects that should pivot the middle of the Garden ice for years to come.

1. Filip Chytil

Filip Chytil is the Rangers’ top center prospect, as well as arguably the Rangers’ top prospect regardless of position. Chytil was taken with the 21st pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and so far, he looks like a steal. He unexpectedly made the team out of training camp, but wasn’t played all that much. After two games, he was sent to Hartford.

He absolutely tore up the AHL, posting 11 goals and 31 points in 46 games, very impressive numbers for an 18 year old. He was called up to the Rangers for the last seven games of the season, where he posted a goal and two assists.

The future looks very bright for Chytil, as he should make the team out of training camp. He’s also in a favorable position to succeed, as new head coach David Quinn is known for developing young players. As a player with elite upside, the future looks very bright for Chytil.

2. Lias Andersson

Lias Andersson was drafted with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 Draft. He was expected to be NHL-ready at the time. However, this wasn’t the case, and he didn’t make the team out of camp.

He played 22 games with Frolunda this season, and posted seven goals and 14 points. He then made the jump to Hartford, where he recorded five goals and 14 points in 25 games.

Andersson tore up the World Junior Championships, where he captained Sweden to a silver medal. He was called up to New York for the final seven games of the season, where he recorded a goal and an assist.

Andersson should make the team out of camp this year, and the Rangers have their top two centers for years to come.

3. Brett Howden

Howden is the first player on this list who isn’t a Rangers draft pick. He was one of the prospects acquired in the McDonagh-Miller deal with Tampa Bay. Howden was drafted by the Lightning 27th overall in 2016.

Howden currently plays for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL, where he serves as captain. In 49 games with Moose Jaw this, Howden posted 24 goals and 75 points. He also posted seven goals and 15 points in 14 playoff games with Moose Jaw this year.

Howden projects to be a middle-six center, which makes him the perfect fit to play behind Chytil and Andersson.

While Howden is pretty close to NHL-ready, it would be wise to let him play a year in Hartford before he joins the Rangers.

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