In his latest 32 Thoughts Blog, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Freidman suggested that the New York Rangers are one of the teams sniffing around NCAA free agent Luke Haymes. Born in Ottawa, Haymes is an undrafted free agent about to enter the market, and the New York Rangers have put their hat in the ring to land this player. Undrafted free agents are typically not superstars, but that doesn't mean he would not be useful for the New York Rangers moving forward.
Haymes has been at Dartmouth College, where he's started building a reputation as a player who can have an impact. Across 78 games at Dartford, Haymes tallied 37 goals and 38 assists for 75 points. It's nothing to write home about, but those numbers could be a sign of having a little more offensive talent. While there is more to hockey than the stats, most people will be drawn to those. So why would the Blueshirts be interested?
At 6'1, the Canadian left-handed center would be another name to replenish the depleting center prospect pipeline the Rangers have. With graduations to the NHL coming, the future will need replenishing, and Haymes would do that. It makes logical sense that the Rangers will want to add more to their future with players in the Haymes, and players often like the lure of one of the best cities in the world and an iconic team like the Rangers.
However, the Rangers are not alone in chasing Haymes's signature. Toronto and Tampa Bay will run alongside the Blueshirts to add this player. We'll find out in the coming weeks where he ends up, but this could indicate where the Rangers feel their prospect pool is thin and could be an insight into their draft strategy in Los Angeles in July. It's not definitive, but it could be worth watching.