Blue Shirts Draft Relatively Uneventful
Glen Miller on Sun, 2011-06-26 23:55
Compared to the draft weekends of Philadelphia, Columbus and Minnesota, just to name a few, the New York Rangers had a pretty quiet draft weekend. After acquiring D Tim Erixon from Calgary for two second-rounders, the Blue Shirts owned just one pick (15th overall in round one) in the first three rounds. It was believed they could move down if the player they wanted wasn't there at 15 to add a second or a third but they must have liked J.T. Miller enough not to do that.
Let's take a look at what the Rangers added to the organization this past weekend.
Round one, 15th overall - J.T. Miller, C-RW, US U-18
Miller, in addition to having a great last name, is a solid two-way forward in the mold of current Rangers like Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan. He led Team USA in the World U-18's in scoring. He has a commitment to North Dakota.
He fits the mold of what scouting director Gordie Clark looks for in a player. He plays a physical, two-way game and is a high-character guy. At this point in the first-round there are no guarantees of greatness so it's a good idea to take someone you feel plays a game that suits your style.
Best 15th choice overall in last 15 years: Erik Karlsson, Ottawa, 2008
Round three, 72nd overall - Steven Fogarty, C, Edina HS
Fogarty was chosen with the pick acquired from St. Louis for prospect Evgeny Grachev. Fogarty is the second straight American selected and after dominating high school he will continue his development at Notre Dame. Is considered to be a good play-making center with good hockey sense.
Fogarty dominated high school but that's a long jump to the NHL. Now the Blue Shirts did select Chris Kreider from high school and he's progressing well enough through college and international tournaments that the Rangers really want to get him under contract.
Best 72nd choice overall in last 15 years: Jonathan Quick, LA, 2005
Round four, 106th overall - Michael St. Croix, C, Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
St. Croix was ranked by Central Scouting as the 59th best North American skater in its final rankings and 36th in their mid-term. It would appear the Rangers were able to get him a round or so later than projected. St. Croix has good hands and offensive instincts though his skating stride is a little unorthodox according to ESPN.com.
He's got the type of skill that translates to the NHL game. He was rated more highly than he was drafted but skating could be a problem.
Best 106th choice overall in last 15 years: Christian Ehrhoff, SJ, 2001
Round five, 134th overall - Shane McClogan, RW, Kelowna, WHL
McClogan is a small forward with some skill. The California kid rated as the 125th best North American skater according to Central Scouting.
Best 134th choice overall in last 15 years: Kris Versteeg, Boston, 2004
Round five, 136th overall - Samuel Noreau, D, Baie Comeau, QMJHL
The first of two defensemen selected by the Rangers in this draft, Noreau is big (6'4") and isn't afraid to throw (141 PIM in 67 games).
Best 136th choice overall in last 15 years: Mike York, NYR, 1997
Round seven, 172nd overall - Peter Ceranak, D, Trencin Jr., Czech
Another big defenseman the Rangers must have targeted. They traded a 6th next year to Nashville for the chance to select Ceranak and you don't do that unless you like one guy enough. He was rated as the 35th best European skater by CSS.
Best 172nd choice overall in last 15 years: Dennis Seidenberg, Philadelphia, 2001
