On Friday night, the 2024 NHL Draft gets underway, and the New York Rangers could want to make a big impression. The Rangers, who currently own the 30th overall pick in the first round, may try to move up the draft order in order to get a more well-known prospect.
Rangers club president and general manager Chris Drury has reportedly been looking into possible trade scenarios that may propel the Blueshirts up the order, according to Larry Brooks of The New York Post:
According to Brooks, Durry is also trying to advance in the first round by using Kakko in conjunction with the club’s own 30th-overall selection.
Who are some of the prospects that the Rangers would target in the event of a draft day trade-up?
The Rangers could add talent to their defensive corps
Given that Jacob Trouba’s future is uncertain, the Rangers may decide to use the draft to add quality to their defense corps. Drury may want to target the physically built defenseman Anton Silayev in a trade-up.
According to Elite Prospects, Silayev is the seventh-ranked prospect in this year’s draft class. As such, the Blueshirts would probably have to give up a lot of assets in order to climb high enough in the order to choose him. Silayev, though, would be a very intriguing addition to the Blueshirts’ pool of prospects.
Despite only being eighteen, the 6-foot-7, 207-pound left-hander is already starting to get recognition in Russian hockey as a player for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. There will be a lot of hype surrounding his scouting report on Elite Prospects:
Given the uncertainties surrounding Jacob Trouba’s future, the Rangers may decide to use the draft to add skill to their defensive line. Drury may want to trade up for Anton Silayev, a physical defenseman.
The Blueshirts would probably need to give up a lot of assets in order to climb far enough up the list to choose Silayev, who is currently ranked as the seventh best prospect in this year’s draft class by Elite Prospects. Silayev, though, would bring something very fascinating to the Blueshirts’ potential pool.
For Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, the 6-foot-7, 207-pound left-hander is just 18 years old, but he’s already starting to become well-known in Russian hockey. Excitement will undoubtedly be high due to his scouting report on Elite Prospects:
Charlie Elick presents an intriguing option for the New York Rangers in the NHL draft, especially if they’re considering targeting a defenseman. At just 18 years old, Elick is currently ranked 17th among prospects by Elite Prospects, making him a feasible target if the Rangers opt to move up in the draft.
Elick’s style of play is characterized by physicality and proactive defense. He excels as an explosive skater both backward and laterally, enabling him to quickly cover the middle and react swiftly to cut off plays. His defensive prowess is highlighted by his ability to anticipate plays and disrupt opponents with his stick, effectively intercepting passes and blocking shots within his reach. Moreover, his mobility allows him to maintain close coverage on opposing players and quickly retrieve pucks in defensive situations.
For the Rangers, targeting Elick could bolster their defensive corps with a player who not only brings defensive solidity but also contributes actively in shutting down opponents and initiating transitions. His skills align well with the modern NHL game’s demands, making him a compelling prospect to consider if they choose to trade up in the draft.
The Rangers might make an intriguing first-round selection with either Silayev or Elick. They could, meanwhile, decide to bolster their prospect pool with greater attacking skill.
Targeting a power forward to bring more physicality to the Rangers
Another fascinating possibility from Canada that the Rangers could consider is Liam Greentree. The 6-foot-2 winger is listed by Elite Prospects as the 12th best prospect. With the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, he had a fantastic 2023 season, finishing with 90 points (36 goals and 54 assists) in 64 games.
Using a combination of look-offs, give-and-gos, and a deft delay game that enables him to outmaneuver opponents off the rush, Greentree skillfully maneuvers around opponents. He is always looking about, taking in all of his choices and the potential roadblocks to getting them the puck.
Since Matt Rempe came into the picture this season, Rangers supporters have grown to enjoy a certain level of offensive aggression. This summer, Drury might try to add additional powerful forwards to the pool, such as Rempe. Greentree offers a comparable grit and sandpaper play style that Drury would find useful.
The Rangers could add another talented winger to their pool
There is already an abundance of offensive skill, especially on the wing, in the Rangers’ prospect pool. Brennan Othmann (2021 first-round pick) and Gabriel Perreault (2023 first-round pick) are their two best prospects. However, Drury might be interested in another intriguing wing prospect on draft night.
Ryder Ritchie is regarded by Elite Prospects as the No. 22 prospect in this year’s draft class, so the Rangers probably wouldn’t need to make a lot of sacrifices or go all the way up to get him. At six feet and 176 pounds, the 17-year-old forward is a mix of Swedish and Canadian. He plays the ice with great speed and playmaking abilities.
Ritchie is a danger to score as well as create plays; he continuously shifts the defense and opens holes by combining give-and-gos with crossovers and east-west movement. When opponents believe they have him figured out, he turns around and discovers the trailer. Especially his shooting is always dangerous. His release is completely undetectable; he shifts his weight abruptly and keeps his blade hidden the entire time. Even in stressful situations, he can quickly adjust to complex passes and shoots them.
Ritchie’s performance in the WHL this past season was impressive, tallying 44 points in 47 games for the Prince Albert Raiders. His playing style bears resemblance to some of the Rangers’ top forwards, making him a promising prospect for their development pipeline. However, at just 17 years old, Ritchie may require time to mature before being NHL-ready.
Given the Rangers’ current stance in “win-now” mode, they might prioritize acquiring a more NHL-ready player who can contribute sooner rather than later. General Manager Chris Drury is known for his strategic maneuvers, and with several key Rangers players potentially on the trade block, he could be planning aggressive moves on draft night to set the stage for the upcoming free agency period starting on Monday.
Drury’s approach will likely aim to balance immediate impact with long-term prospects, ensuring the Rangers remain competitive while also building for sustained success. This offseason promises to be eventful for the Rangers as they navigate draft selections, potential trades, and free-agent signings to strengthen their roster.