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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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DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Vitali Kravtsov poses for a portrait after being selected ninth overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Vitali Kravtsov poses for a portrait after being selected ninth overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Wing

Wing is the one position where the Rangers really lack depth. However, they do have a couple of players who should see the NHL sooner rather than later.

1. Vitali Kravtsov

Vitali Kravstov is easily the Rangers’ top wing prospect and the argument can be made that he is the Rangers’ top prospect, although Filip Chytil may have something to say about that. Kravtsov was drafted ninth overall by the Rangers in the 2018 Draft.

Kravtsov spent the past season with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL. In 35 games, he posted four goals and seven points. However, the Gagarin Cup Playoffs are where he really made a name for himself.

He became the youngest player in KHL history to score a goal in the playoffs. In total, he put up six goals and 11 points in 16 games.

Kravtsov was a surprising pick at nine, especially with American sniper Oliver Wahlstrom available. However, Kravtsov has shown elite upside, drawing comparisons to Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov. Kravtsov has one year left on his KHL contract, and he will then make the jump to North America.

If Kravtsov hits his ceiling, then the Rangers finally have an elite, game-breaking winger.

2. Ty Ronning

Most every Rangers fan knows about Ty Ronning. The diminutive forward and seventh round draft pick, son of former Vancouver Canuck Cliff Ronning, just finished up a historic season with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL. He scored 61 goals this past season, breaking the record held by NHLer Evander Kane.

After the WHL playoffs were over, where he scored seven points in seven games, Ronning made the jump to the AHL for three games.

Give Ronning a full year in the AHL and he should be ready for the 2019-20 season with the Rangers.

3. Tim Gettinger

Tim Gettinger rounds out the list of winger prospects. Drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Draft, Gettinger has played the last four season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL. This past season was the best of his career, potting 33 goals and 69 points in 66 games.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 pounds, the hulking winger should be ready for a spot with the Hartford Wolf Pack this season. Depending on how his time in the AHL goes, he may be ready for an NHL spot in the future.

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