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Why a lottery pick this season is not a bad thing

By Steve Paulus

EDMONTON, AB - MARCH 11: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rogers Place on March 11, 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - MARCH 11: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rogers Place on March 11, 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /
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WINNIPEG, MB – FEBRUARY 12: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers looks on during a third period face-off against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on February 12, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Rangers 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB – FEBRUARY 12: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers looks on during a third period face-off against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on February 12, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Rangers 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The buzz about the 2020 NHL Entry Draft is that it could be the best in years.  While the much improved New York Rangers may contend for a playoff spot this season, it could be a good thing if they don’t make the cut.

A return to playoff contention is the hope of many fans of the New York Rangers.  Not so fast.  One more year with a lottery pick may be a good strategy.  The class eligible for the June draft is supposed to be one of the best in hockey history.

As the Rangers continue their long-term planning, one bit of news that came out is that they expect Chris Kreider to come to training camp without a contract extension and to play this season on the verge of free agency.   There has also been no talk of any contract conversations with the team’s other two pending UFA’s Vladislav Namestnikov and Jesper Fast.

Knowing the strength and depth of the 2020 Draft, you can bet that Jeff Gorton is hoping that Kreider will play well enough to warrant a first round pick in exchange at the deadline, even if it isn’t lottery-eligible. One more year of high quality draft picks and the Rangers prospect pool will be fully restored and in great shape for another run of playoff seasons.

There is no doubt that Ranger fans will be frustrated if Gorton deals away assets like Kreider at the deadline while the Rangers are within striking distance of a playoff spot.  Realistically, it’s the smart move.

How does the 2020 draft compare?

Hockey observers knew the 2020 draft class would be strong, but now many believe it will one of the strongest in NHL history, similar to the 2015 Connor McDavid/Jack Eichel draft year.

Of the 30 players taken in the first round that year, 29 have seen NHL action. The only player who hasn’t is Washington top goalie prospect Ilya Samsanov who stayed longer in the KHL and just came to North America last season.

22 of the 30 are solid NHL players who have regular spots in their rosters. Of the eight remaining, all are still strong prospects playing in the AHL.  Three of them have been hampered by injuries.

The 2015 had some late first round gems outside of the lottery including Kyle Connor at #17, Thomas Chabot at #18,  Colin White at #21, Brock Boeser at #23, Travis Konecny at #24, Jack Roslovic at #25 and Anthony Beauvillier at #28.

The 2014 draft produced Travis Sanheim at #17, Alex Tuch at #18, Nick Schmaltz at #20 and  David Pastrnak at #25.

In terms of impact players taken after the lottery picks in 2013 there were Anthony Mantha at #20, Andre Burakovsky at #23 and Shea Theodore at #26.

More recently, in the three seasons since the 2016 draft, five players taken out of the top 16 have made it as regulars in the NHL and that includes Filip Chytil and Brett Howden.

So, how good is the 2020 draft?

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