Unless a trade is made, there is a log jam at defense for the Rangers. Brian Leetch, a fully recovered Vladimir Malakhov, Kim Johnsson, Igor Ulanov and Dale Purinton appear to have spots locked up to start the season, while Dave Karpa will likely stay on as a 7th defenseman. Kloucek will still be recovering, as will Sylvain Lefebvre who had shoulder surgery this off-season. The 6th spot is up for grabs during training camp, and whoever plays the best will likely wind up being the one who stays with the big club. Mike Mottau and Peter Smrek seem to be the front runners for the job, as they both have played 18 and 20 games in the NHL, respectively. However, other darkhorses such as Filip Novak could put up a strong fight.
The following is an in-depth look at most of the defensive prospects in the organization with their height, weight, age, statistics and how they were acquired included in the summary.
Mike Mottau, 23 yrs old, 6’0 190 lbs, Drafted 182nd Overall in ’97
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
2000-01 Hartford AHL 61 10 33 44 45
Hartford* AHL 5 0 1 1 18
New York NHL 18 0 3 3 13
1999-00 Boston College NCAA 42 6 37 43 57
1998-99 Boston College NCAA 43 3 39 42 44
1997-98 Boston College NCAA 40 13 36 49 50
1996-97 Boston College NCAA 38 5 18 23 77
Mike Mottau made a smooth transition from college hockey to professional hockey this past season. He spent most of the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League where he played great. He was awarded with a spot on the Planet USA team in the AHL All-Star game and was also awarded with a spot on the AHL All-Rookie team. He played in a lot of games with the Rangers at the end of the season and he handled it pretty well. He saw time on the power play, and was very effective in moving the puck around the offensive zone and setting up teammates for some pretty good shots. He made an excellent play in one game (I believe against Washington), where he made a no-look pass from the blue line to the side of the net where a teammate easily tapped in an open-net goal. He showed some pretty good flashes of his ability on that play, and although he still needs to work on his play in the defensive zone, he has a really good chance of making the team this season. He is ready to take his game to the next level, although if he is sent back down to Hartford, he will benefit from gaining more experience.
Filip Novak, 19 yrs old, 6’1 180 lbs, Drafted 64th Overall in ’00.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
2000-01 Regina WHL 64 17 50 67 75
Regina* WHL 6 1 4 5 6
1999-00 Regina WHL 47 7 32 39 70
Regina* WHL 7 1 4 5 5
1998-99 Budejovice Czech Jr 68 8 10 18 34
Filip Novak is a defenseman who the Rangers are very glad that he fell into their laps at 64th overall in the 2000 Entry Draft. Novak had a great season this year for Regina of the Western Hockey League, improving his all-around game, while also scoring 1.05 Points per game, compared to .83 Points per game the season before. Novak was paired with Barret Jackman on the blue-line, a first round pick by the St. Louis Blues in 1999, and the two played excellent right from the start of the season. Filip plays a two-way game in which he relies on his excellent skating and puckhandling ability. He has one of those low, hard shots from the point that are perfect for forwards in front to deflect the puck. Heading into the 2000 Draft, most people saw Filip Novak as a future top 4 defenseman in the NHL. But after drastically improving this season in juniors, most people believe Filip now showed that he has the ability to be a number 2 defenseman in the NHL. Some also believe that if he continues to improve, he can be a number 1, but right now he definitely looks like a number 2. He shocked the entire Rangers staff last season at training camp, as he was one of the best players on the ice. He won the award for being the best rookie during training camp with the Rangers, but the Rangers felt it was better for his development to send him back to juniors and let him bulk up and improve his game. Boy, that was a great decision. If Novak comes into camp this year and again puts on a show, it’s going to be a lot tougher for Ron Low and Glen Sather to send this kid back to juniors. It’s all up to Filip whether he can prove that he can handle the NHL or not. He is not eligible for the AHL yet, so if he fails to make the Rangers, he’ll be sent back to Regina for another season of junior hockey.
Peter Smrek, 22 yrs old, 6’1 215 lbs, Acquired from St. Louis
Year Team League GP G A PTS PIM 2000-01 Worcester AHL 50 2 7 9 71 2000-01 Hartford* AHL 5 0 2 2 2 2000-01 St.-Louis NHL 6 2 0 2 2 2000-01 New York NHL 14 0 3 3 12 1999-00 Peoria ECHL 4 1 1 2 2 1999-00 Worcester AHL 64 5 19 24 26 1998-99 Des-Moines USHL 52 6 26 32 59
Peter Smrek was a pleasant surprise for the Rangers this season after he was acquired from the St. Louis Blues for 36 year old defenseman Alexei Gusarov on March 5th. The Rangers originally gave up a 5th round pick for Gusarov in December, so it all ends up to be a 5th round pick for Smrek, which is a great trade in my opinion. Smrek is a great skating, two-way defenseman who plays well at both ends of the ice. At 6’1 and 215 lbs, he doesn’t back down from the physical play. Some people say he would be a lot better if he played physical more often, but he does it when he needs to. One of those defenseman who won’t score 50 points and won’t dominate a game physically, but he gets the job done effictively. He did play well in the 14 games he played with the Rangers, and has a chance to stick with the team for the entire 2001/2002 season.
Fedor Tyutin, 18 yrs old, 6’3 202 lbs, Drafted 40th Overall in ’01
Year Team League GP G A P PIM
2000-01 St. Petersburg Russia 34 2 4 6 20
Russia U18 WJC 6 1 4 5 18
1999-00 Izhstal Izhevsk Russia 12 0 1 1 12
1999-00 Izhstal 2 Izhevsk Russia 38 11 8 19 68
1998-99 Metallurg 2 Russia 7 0 1 1 2
Fedor Tyutin was drafted this year in the 2nd round of the 2001 Draft, 40th overall. Many people believe the Rangers got a huge steal with this selection, as teams went for the “home run” picks early in the draft and passed on the safe-bet prospects, such as Fedor Tyutin. He plays a stay-at-home defensive game, but also has some untapped offensive potential. Eugene Belashchenko, the owner and moderator of Russianprospects.com, compares Tyutin to Teppo Numminen. The Rangers signed Tyutin on July 15th, and he will be in training camp this September. The Rangers will likely see how he does in training camp, but it is basically set in stone that Tyutin will be sent to juniors to play for the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season, as they selected him in the 1st round of the CHL Import Draft back on June 27th. He’s definitely a prospect to keep an eye on in the future, and I for sure will be watching him closely this season.
Patrick Aufiero 21 yrs old, 6’2 191 lbs, Drafted 90th Overall in ’99
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM 2000-01 Boston U. NCAA 34 5 8 13 30 1999-00 Boston U. NCAA 38 3 20 23 37 1998-99 Boston U. NCAA 22 3 4 7 14
Patrick Aufiero had an off year this season, although the Rangers are talking about signing him this summer so he can develop his game in Hartford, rather than go back to Boston University for his senior season. He’s a potential 4th or 5th defenseman in the NHL, and just like most Rangers’ defensive prospects, plays a two-way game. He has above average offensive skills, and could score 20-25 points in the NHL consistently. Is a few years away from making an impact in the NHL, although skipping his senior year of college and moving right into the AHL this season could speed up his development.
Matt Kinch, 21 yrs old, 5’11 185 lbs, Signed as a Free Agent
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
2000-01 Calgary WHL 70 18 66 84 52
Calgary* WHL 12 3 6 9 6
1999-00 Calgary WHL 62 14 61 75 24
Calgary* WHL 13 2 12 14 8
Canada WJC 7 0 0 0 0
1998-99 Calgary WHL 68 14 69 83 16
1997-98 Calgary WHL 55 7 24 31 13
1996-97 Calgary WHL 64 10 22 32 31
1995-96 Calgary WHL 1 0 1 1 2
Matt Kinch was signed as an unrestricted free agent in June after he failed to come to terms with the Buffalo Sabres, who selected him in the 5th round of the 1999 Entry Draft. Although he is considered too small for the NHL at 5’11 and 185 pounds, Kinch will most likely play in Hartford this season and will work on developing his game both offensively and defensively, while also trying to bulk up and add on 10-15 pounds of muscle. Kinch will need to get stronger to make the NHL, as right now he is mainly an offensive defenseman. A few years in Hartford will help Kinch tremendously, and if he succeeds in the AHL, he will be given a long look by the Rangers.
Marek Zidlicky, 23 yrs old, 6’0 180 lbs, Drafted 176th Overall in ’01
Year Team League GP G A P PIM 2000-01 HIFK Finland 51 12 25 37 146 1999-00 HIFK Finland 47 4 16 20 66
Marek Zidlicky was drafted this year in the 6th round of the 2001 Entry Draft. Word leaked out earlier in the season that the Rangers had a great deal of interest in the 23 year old Czech defenseman, so many people strongly believed the Rangers would use a pick on this kid, in which they ended up doing. A two-way defenseman who has excellent offensive skills to go along with a mean streak, Zidlicky played the past two years with HIFK Helsinki in the elite league in Finland. Marek did not come to terms on a contract, and it is likely he will spend another year in Finland. Some compare Zidlicky to Rafalski, although Zidlicky is bigger and has a much better shot. We’ll see if the Rangers get a steal out of this pick, but it was believed that if Marek signed a contract this summer, he’d have a good shot at a spot on the team during camp.
Bryce Lampman, 18 yrs old, 6’1 200 lbs, Drafted 113th Overall in ’01
Year Team League GP G A P PIM 2000-01 Omaha USHL 55 10 11 21 77 1999-00 Omaha USHL 21 1 2 3 22
Bryce Lampman was drafted this past year in the 4th round after he captained the Omaha Lancers of the USHL to the league championship. A player who gives 110% effort every night, Lampman has excellent leadership qualities and could be a future captain in the NHL. He will likely go to the University of Nebraska at Omaha this year, unless he changes his mind and heads to the WHL, where the Kamloops Blazers hold his junior rights. Lampman is a 3-4 years away from making an impact in the NHL, but with proper development he could become a solid number 4 defenseman one day.
Martin Richter, 23 yrs old, 6’3 187 lbs, Drafted 269th Overall in ’00
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
2000-01 SaiPa Finland 41 4 5 9 80
1999-00 SaiPa Finland 26 1 3 4 54
HC Karlovy Vary Czech 24 0 5 5 18
1998-99 HC Karlovy Vary Czech 51 3 6 9 44
1997-98 HC Olomouc Czech 17 1 0 1 26
A 23 year old defenseman from the Czech Republic, Martin Richter (no relation to Mike) is an swift skating defenseman who plays a two-way physical game to go along with a mean streak. He loves to play physical and crunch opponents against the boards. Richter played for the Czech Republic in the 2001 World Championships, and saw A LOT of ice time. He was one the ice more than some NHL defenseman were for the Czech team. Martin signed a contract last summer, but returned to Finland after playing a few games with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He should return to North America this year and participate in training camp.
Ilja Gorokhov, 23 years old, 6’0 190 lbs, Drafted 195th Overall in ’95
Year Team League GP G A P PIM 2000-01 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Russia 44 5 6 11 40
Ilya Gorokhov is a Russian defenseman who was drafted 6 years ago, 195th overall in the 1995 Entry Draft. Ilya plays a sound two-way game, and tries to play the same style as Raymond Bourque (Ilya wears number 77). Gorokhov will spend another season in Russia, and maybe in a few years he will try to make the NHL by coming over to North America.
Chris St. Croix, 22 yrs old, 6’1 186 lbs, Acquired from Calgary Flames
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM 2000-01 Saint-John AHL 69 0 4 4 66 1999-00 Saint John AHL 75 5 16 21 51 1998-99 Kamloops WHL 64 8 27 35 123 1997-98 Kamloops WHL 46 3 13 16 51 1996-97 Kamloops WHL 67 11 39 50 67 1995-96 Kamloops WHL 61 4 5 9 29
Chris St. Croix was acquired from the Calgary Flames on draft day for young defenseman Burke Henry. Henry never got a chance to play for the Rangers, and I guess they felt it was time to give up on him. St. Croix is not going to be anywhere near a top NHL defenseman, but in a few years he could crack the top 6. He’s a stay-at-home defenseman with good puck skills, but for the time being he’ll remain in the minors, but might see a game or two in New York because of injuries on the Rangers’ blue line.
Tomi Kallarsson, 22 years old, 6’3 206 lbs, Drafted 93rd overall in ’97
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
2000-01 Timrå IK Sweden 37 0 0 0 54
1999-00 HPK Hameenlinna Finland 50 0 5 5 58
1998-99 HPK Hameenlinna Finland 25 0 0 0 22
Ahmat Hyvinkaa Finland 2 21 2 7 9 52
HPK Hameenlinna Finland Jr 2 0 1 1 6
1997-98 HPK Hameenlinna Finland 12 0 0 0 2
1996-97 HPK Hameenlinna Finland Jr 31 1 3 4 26
Tomi Kallarson was drafted by the Rangers in the 4th round of the 1997 Draft. Originally from Finland, Kallarsson played in the Swedish Elite League this past season with Timrå IK, registering no points and 54 penalty minutes in 37 games. Kallarsson is a big, stay-at-home defenseman who plays a simple game. He doesn’t have much offensive potential, and kind of reminds me of Rich Pilon. A tough, stay-at-home defenseman with little offense to his game. Kallarsson will be back in Europe playing this season, and could make the jump over to North America in a few years. Some Rangers’ scouts feel Kallarsson could be another Tomas Kloucek.
Wes Jarvis, 22 years old, 6’4 215, Drafted 46th Overall in ’97
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
2000-01 Charlotte ECHL 39 4 8 12 185
Charlotte* ECHL 3 0 1 1 10
Hartford AHL 20 1 2 3 24
1999-00 Canada Intl 43 2 5 7 50
1998-99 Kitchener OHL 52 5 18 23 80
Canada Intl 7 1 0 1 4
1997-98 Kitchener OHL 47 10 18 28 112
1996-97 Kitchener OHL 56 4 8 12 108
Kitchener* OHL 13 0 4 4 25
1995-96 Gloucester Jr A 43 3 6 9 73
Wes Jarvis was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1997 Entry Draft, 46th overall. At 22 years old, time is running out for Jarvis to step up and bring his game to the next level. He spent this past season splitting time between the ECHL and the AHL. He’s a big, tough defenseman, be he is extremely slow on skates and right now if you asked me to look into my crystal ball, I’d tell you I believe he is going to be a career minor league. A few years ago he was on track to become an Eric Cairns type player, but Jarvis has taken a few steps back. In hindsight I’m sure all Ranger fans can re-do this selection, as unfortunately young Swedish star Kristian Huselius went one selection later to the Florida Panthers. We’ll see what happens this year in camp, but if I had to, I’d bet my money on Jarvis spending another year in the minors.
Christian Gosselin, 24 years old, 6’6 235 lbs, Acquired from San Jose
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM 2000-01 Kentucky AHL 42 2 3 5 145 1999-00 Kentucky AHL 68 0 4 4 266
Christian Gosselin was one of the players acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the deal that saw Adam Graves head out west. Gosselin is 24 years old and is a tough-as-nails stay at home defenseman. He doesn’t have much offense to his game, which is shown by his lack of production. Right now Christian is nothing more than a career minor leaguer, but could see some time in the NHL because of injuries. A real fan favorite, it won’t take long before the Hartford Wolf Pack fans fall in love with this kid.
Arto Laatikainen, 21 years old, 6’0 183 lbs, Drafted 197th overall in ’99
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM 2000-01 Blues Finland 54 5 9 14 38 1999-00 Blues Finland 51 6 5 11 12 1998-99 Blues Finland 48 0 6 6 14
Arto Laatikainen was a 7th rounder in 1999 from Finland. He has played the last three seasons with the Espoo Blues in Finland. Laatikainen will remain with them for the 2001/2002 season, and in a few years hey may give a shot at the NHL.
Leonid Zhvachin, 18 years old, 6’3 185 lbs, Drafted 230th in ’01
Year Team League GP G A P PIM 2000-01 Podolsk Jr. Russian Jr. - - - - -
Leonid Zhvachin was drafted by the Rangers in the 8th round this past year. Zhvachin is a stay at home defenseman who played for the Podolsk Jr. team in a Russian Jr. league. A big, strong, physical player who has great defensive awareness and gets the job done in his own zone. If he develops his game over the next couple of seasons, he could turn into a good 5th or 6th defenseman in the NHL. Was drafted by the Guelph Storm of the OHL in the CHL Import draft, and most likely will play for them this season in juniors.
Dan Eberly, 20 years old, 6’0 180 lbs, Drafted 238th overall in ’00
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM 2000-01 Rensselaer ECAC 28 3 8 11 51 1999-00 Rensselaer ECAC 21 2 5 7 8
Dan Eberly was an 8th round pick in the 2000 Draft from Rensellaer of the ECAC (College). He is another big, stay at home defenseman who plays a physical game with a mean streak. It is too early to say whether he has a future in the NHL. Most 8th rounders do not make it far, so the odds are against him. We’ll see what happens in his 2 remaining years of college.
Premsyl Duben, 19 years old, 6’4 190 lbs, Drafted 112th Overall in ’00
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM 2000-01 Baie-Comeau QMJHL 32 0 8 8 36
Premsyl Duben was drafted in the 4th round in 2000 from the Czech Republic. He came over to North America last season and played with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, registering 8 assists in 32 games, along with 36 penalty minutes. He missed about a month during the season because of an ankle injury, and really was never given a lot of ice time. He is eligble to play in the AHL this year since he was drafted from Europe, so possibly he could join the Wolf Pack, or head back to the Drakkar for another season. The odds of Duben making the Rangers is about 1 million to 1, so it’s either juniors, minors or back to Europe for him in 2001/2002.
There it is, my in-depth look at all the defensive prospects in the Rangers organization. Check back in about a week for part two of this series, in which I will analyze the forward prospects for the New York Rangers!
