Rangers aggressively target small speedy center Tomas Chrenko as first forward of 2026 NHL Draft

The New York Rangers have finally drafted a forward at the 2026 NHL Draft, and their first forward selection represents a shift in focus on speed and skill which is a welcome addition for the organization. Tomas Chrenko joins the Blueshirts at No. 81 overall in the third round, and he's a 5'11" 172 pound center who fell a bit during the draft. The hope is that the Rangers have found a diamond in the rough, but at a bare minimum, it's a selection for upside.

Chrenko had impressive draft year season for HK Nitra

The Rangers drafted Adam Sýkora, 5'11" and 192 pounds, out of HK Nitra in the second round of the 2022 draft. During his draft year he appeared in 46 games while scoring 10 goals and adding seven assists. He followed that up with five points in 19 playoff games.

Chrenko appeared in 44 games this season, and scored nine goals while adding 22 assists for 31 points. In the playoffs he scored two goals and added 10 assists for 12 points. Using that as a basic point of comparison, the Rangers got a similarly sized player who was more productive and they selected him later in the draft.

We've already seen how Sýkora has come along nicely in the AHL, and he was a big ball of energy for the Rangers in a limited sample this year. Talented skaters is a big need for the Rangers, and he projects to be a real boom or bust prospect which is something the organization could use more of.

What people are saying about the pick

The Rangers biggest need, outside of defense which had been addressed early in this draft, was centers with upside. Adding Chrenko to the mix was a great way to add some excitement to the organization, and it was encouraging to see them target someone who is a little undersized. For too long we've seen the Rangers focus on the big and beefy skaters, and this is a welcome change of pace which hopefully pays off in the long run.

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