After completing a couple trades during the draft, the Rangers ended up adding roster player Michael Grabner and a 2nd round pick in next years draft for their 22nd overall pick this year and moved up from 71 to 59 at the cost of a 3rd round pick in 2016. With that we were left with picks #11, 19, 33 and 59 and were mostly very happy with our choices.
At #11, the Rangers are very excited to add:
from the Halifax Moosehead of the QMJHL,
6'1 RW, Timo Meier
2014-15 Stats
GP-61, G-44, A-46, Pts-90, PIM-59, +20
From Elite Prospects -
A physically dominant winger with the ability to play in a skill or character role. In the offensive end, Meier is very aware and gets himself into spaces where he can easily make seeing eye passes or snap hard, accurate shots. Can impact the game in a number of different ways, and is very consistent in his efforts. All-in-all, the kind of versatile player that you can put on a skill line, and trust to create dangerous chances, or on a shutdown line, and trust to help stop pucks from going into your net.
At #19, we think we got a great player:
from the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL,
6'0 RW, Brock Boeser
2014-15 Stats
GP-57, G-35, A-33, Pts-68, PIM-30, -1
From Elite Prospects -
A dynamic offensive winger and natural goal scorer. Has great instincts and is able to quickly get into position for premium scoring chances; possesses an accurate release on his shot which he can get off in the blink of an eye. He always knows where his linemates are, and is a great passer; that being said, his individual puck possession play is incredible and sets him apart as an offensive player. He will need to work on defensive zone coverage and a slew of small details such as board battles, but Brock Boeser has a ton of elite-level scoring potential due to the way he can read, make, and finish plays.
Some scouts are seeing quite a bit of Patrick Sharp in Mr. Boeser. He skates well and has a complete set of goal-scorer's tools. Doesn't give up his own end, and transitions to offense in such a quick and concrete way that he can catch the opposition off-guard.
At #33, we went with a good sized Swedish Dman:
from Frolunda J20 Super Elite League,
6'2 D, Jacob Larsson
2014-15 Stats
GP-30, G-8, A-19, Pts-19, PIM-49, +7
Director of European Scouting, Goran Stubb:
“He plays a surprisingly mature game with good decisions both on the offense and defense. Good size and strength and a smooth mobile skater. Very quick first pass, makes smart plays and finds the open man well.”
At #59, after first selecting an over ager and having to reselect, in a panic we took goalie Callum Booth, who was rated #50 on Bob McKenzie's list. We needed a solid goalie coming up the ranks and hopefully Booth can be that guy.
All in all, had a fun draft and am very happy with my first 3 picks. Thanks to Grant for running another smooth draft and my apologies for for holding things up with my last pick.