The New York Rangers have two picks in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, and there are a number of different ways they can go at No. 26 overall. The Athletic just released a mock draft looking at who the team could select, and their choice makes a lot of sense. It would address an organizational need, and the pick in question would check a lot of boxes. With that said, let's get into learning more about the player the Rangers could pick.
Who is Jack Hextall?
Hextall is an 18 year old that is listed at 6'0" and 185 pounds, and is set to join Michigan State University for the 2026-27 NCAA season. He is fresh off his second season in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms, and posted an impressive line of 20 goals, 38 assists, and 58 points in 59 games.
This year was an improvement over last, a campaign that saw him finish with just eight goals and 26 helpers for 34 points in 53 games. Prior to playing in the USHL, Hextall was a AAA player with the Chicago Mission, and he put up 29 goals, 59 assists, and 88 points in 64 games. You don't want to put too much stock in these numbers, but it is still impressive to see him being productive, making the jump to the USHL, and then having a significant year over year improvement.
What scouts think about Hextall
Hextall has been ranked as high as the 18th best prospect in the draft, and as low as 36th overall. His consolidated ranking at Elite Prospects is No. 31 overall, so picking him at No. 26 would technically be a bit of a reach. The key thing about Hextall is that he's a strong skater, and that is something the Rangers could use more of in their organization. In the mock draft at The Athletic, Hextall was looked at as the safest bet to develop into a middle six center at that point, and it's hard to argue with their reasoning based on who was already picked.
Organizationally it's the right choice
The Rangers' currently have Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, J.T. Miller, and Noah Laba as centers on the main roster. Zibanejad and Miller aren't getting any younger, Trocheck is a top candidate to be traded, and Laba is still developing as a prospect. There are other names of intrigue like Adam Sýkora, but the Rangers need players with the potential of becoming a top six center. That's an area they are lacking, and taking a shot on Hextall would be justified at this point in the draft.
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