Earlier this year, the Rangers announced that they would be in a rebuilding phase, which has been a success so far, despite losing some faces we loved. They released players such as Henrik Lundqvist, JT Miller, Mats Zuccarello, Ryan Mcdonough and many others. However, Jeff Gorton and the Rangers organization have rebuilt by way of getting strong prospects through the draft and free agency.
They are starting the next season as one of the youngest teams in the league looking to prove themselves with some amazing talent such as Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren. Fox and Lindgren, both only 22 years old, have already proven themselves to be an amazing pair, as seen by head coach David Quinn’s willingness to put them out there against top offensive forces.
Many other younger players, ranging from 19-21 years of age, include various prospects such as Morgan Barron, K’andre Miller, Nils Lundkvist, and the youngest of them: Alexis Lafreneire and Braden Schneider.
Morgan Barron is a very underrated centerman drafted in the 6th round, 174th overall. He shows leadership potential and also is great at blocking shots and producing offensively. In his 98 games played for Cornell college in the NCAA, he recorded 84 points.
K’andre Miller, who is known for his speed and strength, drafted in the 1st round, 22nd overall looks to become a lethal defensemen for the Rangers. He has a keen eye and his work ethic is outstanding.
Nils Lundkvist is another great defenseman who has been tearing up the Swedish Hockey League. Although he is a smaller defenseman than K’andre Miller, he is a very aggressive player, and is one of the leading defensemen in shots on goal in the SHL.
The youngest prospects of this bunch are Alexis Lafereinere and Braden Schneider. Lafereinere, the first overall pick in the last NHL entry draft, is an outstanding prospect already being compared to superstars such as Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon. He registered 297 points in 173 games for Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL over the past three seasons. Schneider is also an amazing prospect, who brings a physical side to his game. He has the ability to be a very good lock-down defensemen in upcoming years.
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