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New York Rangers feature skilled group of forwards in newest Top 20 ranking Photo: Forward Oscar Lindberg is expected to make his NHL debut in 2013-14. Lindberg was acquired in a trade with Phoenix in 2011. (courtesy of Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images) The upper portion of the New York Rangers Top 20 has not changed for several cycles. Chris Kreider remains the premier player among a very talented group, while Danny Kristo, obtained in a July 2013 trade with Montreal, now occupies the number two position. New York Rangers 2013 draft review Photo: Forward Adam Tambellini was the first selection the New York Rangers made in the 2013 NHL Draft. Tambellini was selected in the third round, 65th overall. (courtesy of Jamie Squire/Getty) There was none of the usual flurry of trade activity at the New York Rangers table during the 2013 NHL Draft. The Rangers went into the draft with only five mid-to late-round selections, and while New York would have loved to move up into the top two rounds, the asking price was too high. New York Rangers 2013 draft preview Photo: Selected 15th overall in the 2011 draft, forward J.T. Miller has quickly developed into a promising NHL player. (courtesy of Will Schneekloth/Icon SMI) The New York Rangers have been through a lot of changes since the 2012 draft, most notably obtaining elite forward Rick Nash, which cost the team this year's first round selection, and gritty forward Ryan Clowe at the trade deadline, which cost New York's second round pick. So, unless there are more trades over the next few days, the Rangers will be very quiet in the early rounds on Sunday. But do not put it past General Manager and President Glen Sather to make some noise, as there are valuable players, including prospects, who can be traded to either move up in the draft or obtain an extra selection. Skilled forwards featured prominently in New York Rangers prospect awards Photo: Forward Cristoval Nieves had an excellent freshman season at the University of Michigan, managing 29 points in 40 games. (courtesy of Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images) Many high-end New York Rangers prospects have graduated to the NHL over the last few years, and while that has resulted in a lot of success in the regular season, it has also created a dearth of elite young talent in the system. Despite this, several prospects who are currently in the system stood out during the 2012-13 season. New York Rangers have several solid prospects in NCAA and Europe Photo: Danish forward Thomas Spelling played the 2012-13 season in Sweden with Rogle, spending most of his time in the SuperElit league. (courtesy of Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images) The New York Rangers have never been afraid to sign college free agents, having already signed one defenseman, Conor Allen, to an entry-level contract this spring. Over the past couple of seasons, the Rangers additionally invite two or three potential NCAA free agent signees to development camp in late June. Last summer, Kyle Jean was signed to an entry-level contract after just such a camp. |
