When discussing New York Rangers prospects, many names are the usual suspects. Players like Brett Berard, Gabe Perreault, and Brennan Othman are frequent mentions in this field, with occasional mentions for players like Nathan Aspinall or Drew Fortescue. However, one of the more underrated prospects has been producing incredibly well in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Raoul Boilard has enjoyed a sensational season with Baie-Comeau Drakkar and looks like becoming one of the better players in the Rangers farm system.
At 6'2, the Sherbrooke, Quebec native isn't the largest man in the farm system, but he's incredibly physical despite his shorter stature. He's already 200 lbs, which is a good sign for this 19-year-old to be filling out his frame. Drafted in the 4th round by the New York in the 2024 NHL draft, Boilard has become a force in the QMJHL, with the Rangers looking bright for taking him that late.
He's not close to getting an entry-level deal and likely needs a few more years to properly round out his game on top of his physicality before moving to the AHL, but there is a lot to like here. It's a pretty good find when you can find someone with this physical approach who can also score in the fourth round of a draft class. However, the Rangers need him to continue developing because this center could be a great addition to this team.
With Baie-Comeau Drakkar, Boilard scored 22 goals and 40 assists for 62 points in 68 games last year in his draft year. This season, he's got just 12 goals but 34 assists for 46 points through 53 games, and he's looking good. This player has much to like because he fits the Rangers' mantra of size and physicality while offering a scoring touch to a team that needs a better prospect pool. Definitely a name to keep an eye on moving forward.