New York Rangers rebuild in full swing

The New York Rangers had been moving in this direction since the deadline. First is was Alex Steen to Chicago for Brandon Sutter, Jason Zucker and the NYI 3rd rounder in 2014 (Forward Keegan Iverson). Then it was Paul Stastny to Montreal for Mikael Backlund, Anaheim's 3rd (Defenceman Brandon Hickey) and the 2015 PIT 3rd later traded to Detroit.

As the draft neared, the Rangers, holding picks #4 and #6, looked to add a third 1st by moving the #6 pick. They were able to slide back to #12 while also picking up #16

"We hear every other year how this draft is weaker than that draft or how that draft is deepest in years. While there MAY be some merit to that, we looked at this draft and thought that there are quite a few players that we liked in the top 20 so we wanted to make sure we could get as many of the top 20 as we could. Having No.'s 4, 12 and 16 we felt was great, but we wanted another pick in the top 10 and we had been talking to a few teams regarding Pavelski to get that done. The opportunity to do that, we believe, presented itself when news spread that the Ducks made a bold move to acquire the Sedins. We looked around the room and collectively thought that the move was an organizational shift in philosophy. We started our due diligence process. First question was "Would they move Nail Yakupov." Then it was would they move the #9 pick then, would they be willing to package both assets for Pavelski? As it turns out, we were right in terms of the shift in thought process from Ducks front office. We sent Kevin an offer, when we got his counter offer, it was a deal we had to say yes to.  Don't mis-understand what I am saying. The Ducks got two top notch players that are going to help them for a long time. But when you are rebuilding and have an opportunity to get a former 1st overall selection (two drafts removed) along with the #9 pick in 2014 along with a solid 3rd liner in Nieto, you have to make that trade"

The Rangers wanted to add size, skill and skating ability and came away from the 1st round all smiles.

At No. 4, the Rangers selected, from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL, Center Leon Draisaitl. Leon is a big kid at 6'2" and 208 lbs. We expect that Leon will be a pro somewhere in the 6'4" and 220lb range. Containing big centerman is an issue for a lot of teams throughout the league. With Grigorenko already on board, this could give us a 1-2 punch down the middle with two guys 6'3 or better and 215lbs or better. Leon's best attribute however is not the useage of his physicality, it's the use of his talent and high level Hockey IQ. Guys are going to have to stay on their toes when they play with him as he sees things alot of other players do not, or they read it to late and Leon has already made the play. We are very excited to have added Leon to Grigorenko and Backlund.

At No. 9 the Rangers selected, from Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, Defenceman Haydn Fleury. When we saw that Ehlers was taken at #5 and Dal Colle at #6, we started to get a little nervous. We had Ehlers going a little later. So in our minds, this was the first shocker. With smart, mobile and talented defenceman at such a shortage league wide, we thought for sure that Fleury was not going to be there for us at #9. We especially thought with the Bruins taking both Sam's that they would look to grab the best all around defenceman left in the draft after Ekblad. We were beyond excited to have heard the name Nylander at #7. We had had Fleury on our wish list when we had the #6 overall selection. So when the Capitals selected Jake Virtanen, the table let out a collective sigh of relief and smiles were had all around. We believe that Fleury already has a professional's composure. He's got a high level hockey IQ, he skates, hits scores and plays great defence. We anticipate Haydn getting a little bigger and entering the MRFHL pushing 6'4" and 220. When he's ready to join the Rangers, he will have a great mentor, similar praise was bestowed once upon a time to Ryan McDonagh, soon Haydn will have an opportunity to play with and learn from one of the better defenceman in the game.

At no. 12, the Rangers took, from the Niagra IceDogs of the OHL, Left Winger Brandon Perlini. With the Rangers targeting large skating players, this young player was right in their wheelhouse. Perlini played the 2013-14 season as a 17 year old and saw his development explode. He just turned 18 in April which puts a little more emphasis on the season he just had. He's not nearly finished developing his talents or his size. Sky is the limit for this kid. As he grows into his own skin and becomes more comfortable using his size, the Rangers think they have a special player here. When the draft is looked back on, Perlini is going to be a player that GM's are going to kick themselves over not drafting.

At No. 16, the Rangers took, from the Guelph Storm of the OHL, Center Robert Fabbri. Fabbri is a fearless player and with his smaller size, that could be dangerous for him. But we could nit ignore the talent level. Fabbri has the quickness to dart in and out of prime scoring areas before defenceman can lay a glove on him. He's smart and talented. A player that is always around to get something done when you need something done. A clutch performer. And while there are no metrics explaining how he does it, he just happens to be in the right place at the right time.

At No. 65, the Rangers took, from the Spruse Grove Saints of the AJHL, Defenceman Brandon Hickey. Brandon has committed to playing college hockey at Boston University. He's going to get a great education both on and off the ice and we could not be more pelased with the decision. We will monitor his development and when he's ready to turn pro, we will do everything we can to sign him.

At No. 85, the Rangers took, from the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, Forward Keegan Iverson. Ranked at 59 by the TSN, the Rangers were thrilled beyond words to be able to take him at 85. GM Phil Grote stated that "we had other areas that needed addressing. It's not that we didn't want Keegan earlier, but we had been hoping that he would fly under the radar as bast one can at his size." Listed as a center, the prevailing thought is that Keegan will benefit by shifting to wing.

The Rangers came into the draft wanting size, skill, skating and snarl. The Rangers came away with all of that. Today is a good day for Rangers fans.

Mark OByrne

Great recap

New York Rangers rebuild in full swing
Brass ecstatic with draft results

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Dylan Wilson Awesome job Phil. I'm looking forward to seeing more from other teams. I should have mine up either sometime this week or next.

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