The prospect pipe line is in good if not great shape. The Nash deal would have decimated it. So, this is a timely discussion, and a happy one. Howson may have just made the biggest mistake by an opposing GM in our favor since Bob Gainey.
I know everyone is aware that Hagelin is a 6th rounder. That being said, chances are good we have another surprise or two waiting for us in the cupboard.
The Rangers are quickly proving that anyone trying to rate their prospect system will likely be wrong to the negative side in their assessments. Prejudices and bias that were on display during the run up to the dead line will only under score this and make it more entertaining.
And we should not forget about the reclamation pipe line. Stralman is the star in that regard this year. He is just the latest example of how good the Rangers have become at this.
The Rangers are now one of the better Organizations at developing prospects, finding diamonds in the rough, and just simply pulling rabbits out of a hat. It's true and the record strongly reflects it. These guys are really hitting their stride and are on a major role.
The day is fast approaching, imo, when a deal for a player like Nash or the signing of a Parise is irrelevant and contrary to the Rangers interest. Except only in extraordinary circumstances. Players and prospects will be banging on the door to be Rangers. Never a bad thing.
Again and again I will make this point. The Rangers success comes from and will continue to come from the fact that they are building from within.
it helps when you have a coach who is able to get the most out of his players.
I didn't want to start it's own thread, and not exactly sure where I should put it, so I decided to put it here!
An article on the main page is about the top college hockey non-drafted free agents and the NHL teams that may be interested. The article states that the Rangers have bene watching Jeremy Welsh from Union College. Pretty big guy at 6'3" 210lbs. Has 22 goals and 35 points as a junior in the ECAC. He plays center and LW and has a 60% faceoff winning percentage. Here is the description from the article:
"Welsh is a player that has the ability to dominant a game. He has size (6'3, 210 lbs); a pro-style shot, great net presence, and can finish plays exceedingly well. And it is those attributes that have gotten the attention of NHL teams. What makes Welsh so dangerous is his ability to capitalize on rebounds and deflections, where many of his goals have been scored. He utilizes his size, strength and reach to great advantage, particularly in tight areas."
I'm confused on this article; does this mean all prospects listed in article are FA to be, or are they subject to the draft this June. Obviously if not selected the seniors can be FA, but what of the underclassmen
I'm confused on this article; does this mean all prospects listed in article are FA to be, or are they subject to the draft this June. Obviously if not selected the seniors can be FA, but what of the underclassmen
None of them are draft eligible. They'll be free to sign with any club they want.
it helps when you have a coach who is able to get the most out of his players.
Amen! It's all about the coach and the system that is firmly entrenched with the players all buying in. The organization as a whole has done a remarkable job drafting, developing and bringing players along at their own pace.
I agree Erixon has the chance to be a very good all around Dman. But he will never skate like Kris Letang. Letang is one of the best skaters in the league.
The Letang comparison doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Erixon's big offensive weapon is his ability to get his shot on net. Didn't Letang have a lot of problems with his shot, at least early in his career?
If the NYR took free agent NCAA scouting seriously we never would have signed Tommy Grant, Lee Baldwin and would not have given Matt Gilroy a 1.75 contract. I've never been convinced that they actually have guys watching the teams play on a game to game basis.
We also would have signed Kinkaid instead of the bum Missiaen.
Highlights the UMD Bulldogs, Corey Conacher, Scooter Vaughan (who has fallen off recently), Andy Miele and a brief look at others.
Alot of college free agents are doing well the Rangers should be looking right in there back yard up at UMASS LW TJ Syner RW Mike Perria and Dman Mike Marcou all free agents that will sign some where when season ends.Also Casey Welllman on Whale now Matt Irwin and James Marcou signed with San Jose when season over Two seasons ago.This year there are alot of NCAA free agents that will Sign. Then can send these guys to the Whale to develope
Both of BC's games this weekend are televised. CBSSN.... Channel 94 for FiOS users FYI. They are playing Vermont which is not a good team so it would be nice to see Kreider pick up some points after not registering any the last couple games.
I'm sure Matt Read had several choices and probably the Rangers were one of them. He might have seen greater opportunity to make it with Philadelphia--a team that doesn't have a very deep prospect pool. May have been a better contract as well.
Lee Baldwin was signed out of one of the two Alaskan colleges after his freshman year--more along the lines as a long term project. He is an excellent skater. I think the Rangers thought that with his skating they could make him into a real hockey player. Just didn't work. Not sure what they saw in Grant though I think he'll probably turn into a decent minor leaguer in time.
Stu Bickel was not signed out of college by the Rangers, but they dealt Nigel Williams for him. He was a college UFA. He has worked out pretty well I would say.
Objectively, we don't have the depth we had a couple years. We still have a few good guys on top, but beyond the top 7-8, it is mostly crap with potential to become no more than a marginal NHLer, and more likely never seeing the NHL.
In the past we would be voting on our 13th or 15th best prospect, and still see high quality there. No more.
I suspect our prospect qualify drops as guys like Hagelin graduate, replaced by the last pick in the first round. This won't just happen this year. Next year Erixon and likely Kreider will graduate, only to be replaced by another late first rounder.
On the other hand, we have one of the youngest teams in the league, and unless we trade youth for she, it will continue to be so for the next few years.
But the days of us having top-5 farms are probably gone... unless several of our high risk prospects like St. Croix, Thomas and Fasth all suddenly become blue-chippers.
Really surprised to read this post from you. Who cares about 13th - 15th best project? The strengh of the prospect pool is to have solid 5 - 7 prospects. One or maybe even two of these lower ranked prospects might surprise us but I'm pretty sure you know what the chances are that they would make an impact or even just be able to get into the Rangers line-up (statistically speaking, of course) )
Both of BC's games this weekend are televised. CBSSN.... Channel 94 for FiOS users FYI. They are playing Vermont which is not a good team so it would be nice to see Kreider pick up some points after not registering any the last couple games.
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