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A full seven round Rangers 2020 mock draft

By Will Wright

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: A view of the Round Seven draft board during the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: A view of the Round Seven draft board during the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Seth Jarvis #24 of the Portland Winterhawks (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /

1st Overall: Alexis Lafrenière, LW, Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)

I didn’t have to think about this one at all, even though I do really like Quinton Byfield and have him ranked in the same tier as Lafrenière. Despite being a left wing, where the Rangers are already strong, Lafrenière fills the Rangers biggest need. When is the last time the Rangers drafted a forward of Lafrenière’s calibre?

As much as I like Kaapo Kakko, he is not that level of prospect. Alexei Cherepanov projected to be a star player and was an absolute steal in that draft, but unfortunately he passed away. When a team rebuilds it needs a true star forward prospect to build around, and Lafrenière will be that player for the New York Rangers. An easy choice at first overall.

Will Wright’s Ranking: 1

22nd Overall: Seth Jarvis, RW/C, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

When I did my overview of Rangers targets for the 22nd overall pick, Jarvis was one of the players I wrote about, except I had him in the “Only in Gorton’s Dreams” tier. Jarvis brings several qualities the Rangers just don’t have in their prospect pool. He is an incredibly gifted skater, an excellent transition player, and a possession monster.

Because of his vision, skating, and passing abilities, I think that he will end up being a center at the NHL-level. However, due to his size, many think his game will translate better as a right wing. Since the rebuild began, the only first-round pick the Rangers have made who possessed a strong skating ability was Chytil. We have seen the issues that weaker skaters have adapting to the NHL, and I don’t anticipate Jarvis having those issues. This would be a steal. I also considering Marat Khusnutdinov here, who I have ranked 12th. Truthfully, he is the more realistic option, but this is how this mock-draft turned out.

Will Wright’s Ranking: 9

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