No doubt Drury keeps the pick IMO, I don't even think it's worth a second of discussion. I think you have to bet on yourself. Making the playoffs in the NHL is something most decent teams do, so I would expect the Rangers to be a playoff team next season. Right there that puts the Rangers pick next season worse than 12. I would trade the pick, assuming you can get very good value. The Rangers are not a 3-years from now team, and the 12th pick most likely will need a few years to add value. Trade the pick for a good return, or part of a larger package for a good return, and let's get back to the top next season.
As for the # 1 pick, it's always nice to get it, but unfortunately for the Isles, there is no super-stud generational talent in this year's draft. Looks like the dman Schaefer or C Misa are the top guys, with Schaefer maybe the top guy. Both will be very good players I'm sure, as most # 1 overall picks are, but neither looks to be a stud franchise guy. Sorry Isles, you get a Lafreniere type....
They could, but I have generally seen him ranked 3rd or 4th, even if he is the most pro-ready prospect. Even still, not a generational guy. Next season McKenna is supposed to be that guy, we'll see. If the Rangers had lost another game or two, they would have been where the Isles are, 10th best odds, and moved up....
I would be more than shocked; I'd be absolutely floored if Drury gives up the pick this season. If you do that you are essentially saying we are missing the playoffs next season, because even just barely making the playoffs as a WC and losing in round 1 means the pick will be worse in 26. It also would go against everything Drury has claimed to stand for, going for it and trying to win a Cup. No way in he** Drury is giving the Pens the pick this season.
Drury pretty much has been a moron. Even with Sullivan, if the Rangers are going to commit to some of their youth next season they should give this pick to Pitt. However, what I suspect they might do is trade a couple of young guys like Lafreniere or Miller to non playoff teams and get back a first that isn't lottery protected to a team with a fan base that is tired of sucking and already has some good, young, players. Chicago, Anaheim, San Jose come to mind. Detroit as well. If they do that they can keep this years pick. That's what I would do. Worth a shot to get McKenna. I feel Chicago thinks they are ready to take the next step. They finally have some young players ready to take the next step up front and on D. They might be extremely interested in Lafreniere. I suspect you could get back a good center prospect back from them and their first next year. If it breaks right, they could suck again and we have a shot at McKenna. Ideally, I'd like to trade Miller to Chicago for their first rounder next year, unprotected but I'm not sure how much value that dumbass has despite his talent.
