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What the New York Rangers can learn from the Boston blueprint

By Andrew Steele-Davis

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 29: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers defends David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins during the first period at TD Garden on November 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 29: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers defends David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins during the first period at TD Garden on November 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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WINNIPEG, MB – JANUARY 31: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins looks on during a third period face-off against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on January 31, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Jets 2-1. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB – JANUARY 31: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins looks on during a third period face-off against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on January 31, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Jets 2-1. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Lesson 2 – Draft well

Arguably, this is something the New York Rangers are already doing but the Boston Bruins have really nailed this art.

Of course, it is hardly a secret that the main ingredient for sustained success in any major team sport is drafting well.

Just look at the Kansas City Chiefs who drafted stud quarterback Patrick Mahomes when a plethora of other teams passed, while also drafting a flurry of offensive weapons leading to an historic Super Bowl win on Sunday.

The Rangers have certainly stockpiled a bucketload of prospects since committing to this rebuild, and their farm system is certainly in a rich place right now.

Their cause was helped of course by selecting Finnish phenom Kaapo Kakko with the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and he should become the face of the Rangers going forward.

But they have also been guilty of overreaching for certain players, most notably Lias Andersson who looks to be an almighty bust.

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 21: New York Rangers Right Wing Kaapo Kakko (24) makes a pass from his knees during the third period of the National Hockey League game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers on January 21, 2020 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 21: New York Rangers Right Wing Kaapo Kakko (24) makes a pass from his knees during the third period of the National Hockey League game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers on January 21, 2020 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

While the Bruins certainly have their fair share of busts, they also have a rich history of drafting incredibly well under General Manager Don Sweeney.

David Pastrnak, who is in a race for the Rocket Richard Trophy this year, was drafted 25th overall in 2014, while the likes of Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen have all been drafted and then developed by the Bruins.

Pastrnak is the prime example given the success story he is currently weaving, and he is on a trajectory to become one of the most potent wings in the entire NHL.

All of the above are now a staple of this Boston team and that is quite some talent to not only have accumulated, but to also have molded into legitimate stars in the NHL.

Of course, drafting is hardly an exact science but if the New York Rangers are to truly morph into an NHL powerhouse, they must hit on the majority of their draft picks and then nurture and develop those prospects into high-end to elite players in the majors.

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