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

2020-21 Debuts

K’Andre Miller, D – Some observers feel that the 19-year old Miller is ready to make the leap to the pros now, but he is committed to one more year at Wisconsin, playing for ex-Ranger Tony Granato.  Recognized as one of the top freshmen defensemen in the NCAA, his season was shortened by an injury.   The best reason for him to return to college is that he will be joined by top 2019 draft picks Alex Turcotte and Cole Caulfield, both from the U.S. Development team.  Miller should be the prime beneficiary of the offensive skills of his new teammates.  Look for record assist and power play totals for the future Ranger and for him to play a key role at the WJC Tournament.

Morgan Barron, C – Barron is returning to Cornell for his junior year, but should be ready to turn pro in 2020.  The 20-year old center impressed at Prospect Camp and has shown steady progress in the NCAA.  He should be ready to contend for a roster position in two seasons, or will at least be a starter in Hartford.   The 2017 sixth round pick has exceeded all expectations and is rising in the team depth chart.

Joey Keane, D  – Keane signed his entry level contract at the end of this season, so he should be destined for Hartford.  With all of the depth on the blueline, there will be no reason to rush the 20 year old and the team could even return him to the OHL for one more season as an over-age player.  Keane was a finalist for Team USA and the WJC and the 2018 third round pick could end up a a mid-round gem. He shoots righthanded so he could also be trade bait in the future.

Patrick Newell, RW  – Newell scored 21 goals and had 47 points in 41 games for St. Cloud State, the top ranking college hockey team.  As the leading scorer for the top team in the NCAA, Newell was signed as a undrafted free agent.  He had a brief stint with Hartford at the end of the season.  Newell will get at least one year to develop in Hartford, but could be ready to contend in 2020 when he will be 24.  As an older player, there is a chance he could make his way to the major leagues as early as this season.  The knock on Newell is his size as he is 5’10”, 170 pounds.

Lauri Pajuniemi, RW – Pajuniemi was a teammate of Kaapo Kakko’s with TPS Turku in the Finnish Liiga. While not a big scorer, he is still young, turning 20 in September.  Pajuniemi will probably spend one more year in Finland before coming to North America in 2020-21.

Matthew Robertson, D – All of the experts are raving about this pick, #49 overall  in the second round this year.  Many had him projected to go in the first round and he was described as the safest pick in the draft.  He just turned 18 and will return for his third year with Edmonton in the WHL.  Again, he will be a victim of the Rangers’ defensive depth, but he should turn pro in a year and there is an outside chance he will see action with the Rangers.

Nils Lundkvist, D – This should be the season that Lundkvist moves to North American after one more year in Europe. By 2020, the first round pick will have played three full seasons in the top Swedish league and at age 20 should be ready to make his debut in Hartford.

Tarmo Reuanan, D – The Finnish defenseman was signed to an entry level contract this spring so the team must see something in his play.  The question of how soon he will potentially be a blueline prospect will be answered when he moves over from Finland for good.  The team could give him one more year in Liiga, setting him up for his North American debut in 2020-21.

Tyler Wall, G – Wall just completed his third year at U.Mass-Lowell where he rebounded from a mediocre sophomore year with a sparkling 2.09 goals against average in 22 games. His deadline for an entry level contract is next summer so the Rangers have a decision to make.  He can return to college for his senior year or turn pro.  He could be signed by Hartford and play in Maine in the ECHL.

When you get past two years, it is dicey to predict when players will make it to the big leagues.  For some it is a contractual issue, for other it just be a slower development path.  There are a number of Ranger prospects we will see in 2021 or later.