The New York Rangers had some really good odds of winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, but unfortunately they slid down two spots after the Toronto Maple Leafs won the first draw and the San Jose Sharks snagged the second. The Blueshirts will instead be picking fifth.
There are a number of really good, and could be really great, prospects in this edition of the NHL Draft, and the Rangers are in a great spot. But, they'd be in even better shape if they moved up from No. 5 to No. 2.
Now, now. Everyone relax.
It might take pick No. 5, and the later first-round draft pick from Dallas, and possibly a player to persuade San Jose to move down from No. 2. But, with who is available at that second spot, it might be worth it for the Rangers to try and swing a massive trade.
McKenna, Stenberg or Reid
There is a very good chance that the Leafs select Gavin McKenna with the first pick, and that would be a great pickup for them. It likely keeps captain Auston Matthews interested in coming back, and the fans get a lightning rod of a player to join a team looking to become a dependable contender.
Then comes the interesting part. Up until the draft lottery, Ivar Stenberg of the Swedish Hockey League was the consensus runner-up. But now, with teams like San Jose, Vancouver, and Chicago in need of defensemen, this is where Chase Reid comes in.
To put it plainly, the Rangers should try to get Reid at all costs. He is as NHL-ready of a defenseman as can be in this upcoming prospect pool, and this team desperately needs defense. Reid turns 19 in December, and the 6'2", 187 pound rear guard is currently committed to play at Michigan State University this fall. If he were to play that additional year, he'd be closer to 20 when he makes his NHL debut, and that's a big difference when you consider often times you are selecting a just turned, or soon-to-be 18 year old in the first round.
Looking at what it would cost, it might hurt the Rangers a little bit, but the reality is that Reid will not be there at No. 5. Keaton Verhoeff is a fine defender, as well as Carson Carols, but neither are of the caliber that Reid is in terms of scoring ability, puck movement, speed, and tenacity.
Everything you could ever want in a potential franchise changing defenseman, Reid has got it. But Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury has a really big decision to make if he wants to give up a ton for one player. In a weak free agency market and not many big name players expected to be available via trade, the draft could be the one time the Rangers have a chance to try and make some noise.
A lot can change between now and the draft, and the question that will remain top of mind is will the Rangers settle at fifth, or can they boldly make a charge toward the second spot?
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