The New York Rangers are sending a clear message at the 2026 NHL Draft, and that message is the need to overhaul the defense pipeline by adding mobile defenders with size. Alberts Smits was selected at No. 5 overall, Ben MacBeath was selected in the second round of the draft, and Charlie Morrison was the third defender selected by the Blueshirts at No. 77 overall. Morrison's selection gives the team another intriguing option for the future, and while he is much different than the first two defenders the Rangers drafted, there's a lot to like about his potential going forward.
Morrison is another defense prospect headed to the NCAA
Like MacBeath, Morrison spent the 2025-26 season in the CHL and will be playing college hockey this fall. Morrison is headed to the University of Connecticut where he will look to continue his development as a shutdown defender. His size, frame, and mobility are obviously very appealing, but there is room for improvement to be had if he wants to have an impact at the NHL level given how the game has changed over the last decade with respect to defensemen.
Offense isn't a huge part of his game, and this past season with the Quebec Remparts he appeared in 41 games and scored four goals while adding nine assists for 13 points. He profiles as someone the Rangers would like to have on the third pair one day, and if he is able to become more comfortable managing the puck on offense he could be a nice steal for the Rangers.
What people are saying at the pick
The @NYRangers select Charlie Morrison with the 77th overall pick 🤩 Morrison is the 72nd-ranked prospect on our final 2026 NHL Draft rankings 🔥
— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) June 27, 2026
Read more about his game here: https://t.co/fqNCB8j0zM pic.twitter.com/hSWT0rbdet
Via Elite Prospects' draft guide, a QMJHL scout describe Morrison as "a big mobile D-man who plays an old school mean style game. He is very efficient in all areas of the ice and can be trusted by his coaches to play hard minutes. His physical presence is something that all players are aware of when they are on the ice with him.”
#NYR selected D Charlie Morrison 77th overall.
— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) June 27, 2026
An LHD out of the QMJHL, Morrison is described as a physical, defensive defenseman. Can take on a shutdown role thanks to good mobility and a strong stick. He’s committed to UConn next year, so fans in Hartford can see him soon!
With the 77th overall pick in the #2026NHLDraft, the New York Rangers have taken Charlie Morrison! #NYR pic.twitter.com/PzZflRaixK
— Tape2Tape Prospects (@T2TProspects) June 27, 2026
Morrison has a lot of time to continue getting better, and in some respects he has many attributes that the Rangers have coveted in recent years. Offense is the biggest thing you hope changes, because there isn't much room in today's game for strictly defensive-minded defenders. Teams are trying to get offense out of all their pairs. There's still a lot of time for Morrison, and he remains a pretty interesting pick at 77th overall.
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