The Rangers are set to make more than one pick during Day 1 of the NHL draft Friday for the first time since they won the lottery in 2020.
With 11 total selections over the next two days, the Blueshirts interviewed upwards of 70 players at the NHL combine earlier this month for what could be the organization’s largest draft class in more than two decades.
Fifth overall was the lowest the Rangers could’ve drawn in this year’s draft lottery after finishing tied for the third-worst points percentage in the NHL. Replenishing their prospect cupboard must be a priority in this retool. The first pick they make should be of consequence next season.
Chase Reid impressed many teams in more ways than one, including the Rangers. One source compared the Michigan State commit’s personality and demeanor to Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick last year by the Islanders who captured the hearts of all hockey fans on and off the ice.
If Reid falls to No. 5, the Rangers will likely pounce, but there is no guarantee he will still be available at that point.
While some predict the Canucks will take Caleb Malhotra at No. 3, having his father, Manny, serve as head coach may be more of a deterrent than an incentive. Still, most projections have Malhotra going within the first four selections.
Even if Malhotra is available for the Rangers, word is they are higher on other players.
The more likely skaters to still be options at No. 5 are a trio of defensemen: Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels and Alberts Smits. Scouts say the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Smits is one of the most NHL-ready blueliners available in the draft, which should be enticing to the Rangers.
Verhoeff was the youngest defenseman in college hockey this past season and turned 18 just last week, but the righty shot is lauded for his presence and quiet confidence. In his freshman season at the University of North Dakota, Verhoeff was a top four defenseman, quarterbacked the power play and was one of the team’s leaders in ice time.
“I was really impressed with his ability to compete physically,” UND head coach Dane Jackson told The Post in a recent phone interview. “And then also his ability to adapt and figure out and adapt his game to probably just be a little more efficient and move pucks a little bit quicker than he had to in junior hockey.”
Committed to UND for the 2026-27 season, Carels put up 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League.
The left-handed defenseman grew up working on his family farm just outside of Cypress River in Manitoba, Canada. Concerns over his ability to flourish in an overwhelming city like New York are warranted and will likely be taken into consideration, but he is said to have a well-rounded two-way game already that could outweigh any apprehension.
“I think Carson’s got a real edge to his game,” Jackson said. “Kind of an old-school type of physicality and kind of hardness that he competes with. Those are always nice defensemen to have in front of your net when you have guys that are punishing the opposition.”
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