This is a legit weak draft as far as the first round goes if you are looking for obvious, all around high end talent. I would think the Rangers will be looking for a player with one particular skill that fits the team. Either one of the fastest skaters. Or a guy who can be a dynamic faceoff or powerplay guy. I think they might go with the small, 5'8 kid Kailer Yamamoto if he's there. Dynamic offensively and that is what he does. Rangers have lots of big, dumb forwards with no clue how to finish. They also need Zucc's replacement eventually. http://lastwordonhockey.com/2017/04/22/kailer-yamamoto-scouting-report-2017-nhl-draft-23/ Not sure if he will be there. I seriously hope they don't go for a defenseman with their first pick.
Things change now. I suspect they will go for a big, tough, gritty centerman who can win faceoffs and has good offensive upside.
Though, this kid Tippet fits exactly what the team loves and he's a righty shot on the wing Pure goal scoring speedster who is work in progress. He has size very good size, and girth, and besides the great speed, he can be a threat from anywhere inside the attack zone. Displays both a strong slapper and wrist shot. Will release the puck from what seems like low percentage angles and find the back of the net. Might have gained too much muscle and weight with the 18 pounds he added...it has reduced his pure foot speed a bit, but it does help in his puck possession battles. Needs to read the situations and hit the mark with his shots, not just let fly with reckless abandon. Terrific PP cannon, but he still needs to develop his on ice reads away from shoot, shoot and shoot and also survey his options. Could develop more defensive commitment and work away from the puck.
If they could get Heiskanen that would be great for our D. Rasmussen looks like a force with his 6'6 size. Tolvinen is a shifty Finn.
If this kid Glass makes to the NHL with Vegas, I will always think of the other Glass every time he plays against the Rangers...lol
I love this pick. Swedes are always safe picks. Two swedes in the middle for years to come is not bad.
Andersson is an excellent team player. Never takes a shift off. Also blessed with good hockey sense and plays a strong two-way game. Offensively, Andersson stands out with impressive puck skills, a good shot and fine speed. Has the tools to become a scoring line player, but could also become an excellent role player who always gives 100%.
Seems like we drafted two similar players. Both very good skaters and play a 200 ft. game. Play O and D. Let's hope they pan out. Now we turn our attention to using the 23 mill in cap space we have. Dmen and at least one C (and a backup G) I am sure will be forthcoming. With the right adds we can be in a good spot moving forward with flexibility and youth.
