When June 28th rolls around, supporters of the NY Rangers might be searching for a high-potential freefaller, as they own the 30th choice in the NHL Draft.
With the 30th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the NY Rangers might find themselves choosing from prospects expected to be selected toward the end of the first round or early in the second. However, they are also aware that draft day often sees surprises, with some talented players unexpectedly dropping down the board. Thus, rather than just anticipating such scenarios for the Blueshirts when they pick on June 28th, they should be prepared for it because it’s likely to happen.
In a previous article, I highlighted three defensemen the team should monitor closely. While these players are all strong prospects, none are currently predicted to significantly fall in the draft. This observation is reinforced by Tankathon’s mock draft on June 16th, which shows only Cole Hutson slated to go in the first round, specifically at 26th overall.
I’m not sure if Hutson qualifies as a freefaller if he is selected thirty spots later. Let’s talk about someone who might place in the top 15, but I won’t get too excited and say that Carter Yakemchuk, to mention just one, will finish no higher than thirty. Stian Solberg is the only player, though, that I can see.
Round 1 of the NHL Draft will be easy for the NY Rangers if Stian Solberg fell
Stian Solberg’s size, at 6’2 and 201 pounds, and his considerable professional hockey experience in Norway—he participated in 71 regular season games with Valerenga in 2021–2022 and 2023–2024—are already significant assets. He’ll step it up during the 2024–2025 campaign, when he plays for Farjestad BK in the SHL.
While Solberg’s point production isn’t his primary asset—he tallied just 15 points in 42 regular season games last year—he demonstrated his ability with nine points and two goals during the playoffs in Norway’s professional league. What truly sets Solberg apart is his competitive edge, which would greatly benefit the Rangers’ system.
Projected to be chosen in the first round, likely between the 11th and 20th picks, Solberg is the focus of this article for good reason. He’s not merely a physical player; his exceptional skating allows him to create space and outmaneuver opponents. As a defenseman, he may not be a high scorer, but his potential as a solid two-way player in North America, expected around the 2026-27 season, is promising.
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