New York Rangers: Rating the rookies odds of making the team

2019-20 Debuts

Here are the Ranger prospects we can expect to see in Broadway Blue at some point this season.  Some will be with the team all season, while a few will be call-ups when injuries  or slumps strike the big club.

Libor Hajek, D – Of all the rookies coming to training camp in September, Libor Hajek is a lock to contend for a top six defense job in 2019-20. The 21- year old left shooter acquitted himself well in a five game audition before separating his shoulder.

Ryan Lindgren, D – Lindgen had two stints with the Rangers and showed signs that he belongs.  He was scoreless, but displayed potential as a stay-at-home defenseman, though the 21-year old ended up minus six.   The lefthanded shot will probably start the season in the AHL but will be one of the the first call-ups from Hartford when the inevitable injuries strike.

Kaapo Kakko, RW – If there is any doubt that Kaapo Kakko is ready for the NHL, forget them. After playing in the pro Liiga in Finland and excelling at the World Championships, at 18,  Kakko is ready.  The only question is will be be on the first or second line.

Vitali Kravtsov, RW – Although there is a chance that Kravtsov will start the season in Hartford, the odds are that the 19-year old will begin the season with the Rangers on the third line.  2018 first round pick Kravtsov has already moved to the United States and is learning English. It’s clear he considers himself ready for the big leagues and his vision and skill were on display this week. Check out this amazing pass to Morgan Barron for an easy goal.

Adam Fox, D –  It is almost a guarantee that Adam Fox will start his season in the AHL, but once he has time to hone his game and get used to professional hockey, he will find himself on Broadway.  Going into training camp he is the fourth on the depth chart for righthanded defensemen and there is no doubt the brass would rather see him playing heavy minutes in Hartford than join a merry-go-round of defensemen in New York. If the team can work a deal for Kevin Shattenkirk, look for Fox to make his debut even earlier.

Yegor Rykov, D – Rykov is the X factor among the rookies.  Moving over to North American from Sochi in the KHL, Rykov will need to get accustomed to the smaller ice surface, but if he adapts quickly, he could find himself at Madison Square Garden sooner than later.   He will be battling Ryan Lindgren to be the first lefty-shooting call up to the Rangers.

Jake Elmer, RW –  Jake Elmer could sneak onto the team if he has a good training camp.  A big scorer in his final season with Lethbridge in the WHL, he followed that up with four points in five games for Hartford on an Amateur Tryout this spring. Though probably destined for Hartford, Elmer, 20,  could find himself called up if any forwards falter.

Igor Shesterkin, G – Since he was drafted five years ago, Shesterkin has been projected as the successor to Henrik Lundqvist.  He has finally moved to North American and he has acknowledged that he needs time to get acclimated to smaller rinks so he will definitely be Hartford’s top goalie.   If he plays as well as he did in the KHL, he will present the Rangers with the challenge of managing a three-headed goalie system.  Shesterkin, 23,  will definitely see the Garden ice this season.

Adam Huska, G – The Slovakian netminder signed a contract after three years at U Conn. He was the top goalie at Prospect Camp and will look to split goaltending duties with Shesterkin in Hartford. Huska just turned 22 in May. He is the prototype of the modern NHL goalie at 6’4″, 220 pounds.

2020-21 is only  one season away and it should be the year even more top rookies make their debuts including he best defensive prospect in the organization.