The best option at center with their second first round pick

An argument for Connor Zary

According to Elite Prospects, Connor Zary has been ranked anywhere from 11th to 25th overall by draft prognosticators. It’s universally agreed that his top skill ratings include puck handling and shot accuracy. Zary turned 19 on September 25 (happy birthday!) and is 6’0″, 181 pounds.

He is also reportedly keen on playing a game at both ends of the ice and could certainly assist with the Ranger defense. He can also win draws, with a winning percentage of 50.2% last season.   It’s important to note that in the 2019 WHL playoffs his faceoff winning percentage was 61.7%.

From his time with the Kamloops Blazers from 2017 to the 2019-20 season he saw a noticeable increase in points going from 29 total points to 86 (and even in fewer games per season). His faceoff winning percentage improved each year as well.

While it’s pretty much guaranteed that Zary will be a first round pick, it’s also very possible that the left-shot center may not be available by the time the 22nd pick  is called.  If the Rangers are indeed setting their sights on acquiring a center with their second first rounder, they could look at  Seth Jarvis who has excellent hockey IQ or Mavrik Bourque who could provide in multiple areas.

The luck the Rangers have with this year’s draft being particularly talented class and having two picks in the first round, with one being the first pick, comes at the perfect time and aligns perfectly with their vision. They will continue to acquire young assets in order to shape the club into a Stanley Cup winning core some day.