New York Rangers Draft Review

[Commish Bub(NYR)]

#4 -- Michael Dal Colle, LW/RW, Oshawa (OHL)
A prototype power forward with a nice scoring touch. Needs to get stronger, but should be in the Rangers lineup sometime in 2015. Will start the year in Hartford.
Best case scenario: first line scoring winger
Worst case: second line scoring winger

#48 -- Jason "Tall" Cotton, C/LW, Northeastern (HE)
Another power foward-type, Cotton is already strong enough to compete with the big boys. But he is a real project, and will likely need at least a couple seasons in the AHL to round out his game. If he hits his ultimate potential, he can be a net-charging bull, and a force at both ends of the ice. Considerable groans were heard on the draft floor after the Rangers picked Cotton.
Beast case scenario: a Mark Messier-type power center
Worst case: fourth line hitter/plugger

#67 -- Ilya Lyubushkin, D, Yaroslavl (KHL)
Another project, the rangy Lyubushkin ("Lubby," to his so-called friends), likely won't be on Broadway anytime soon (although with his fine tenor voice and a little hard work, who knows?). He's already 20, so might be brought over as early as this fall to get some time in Hartford. If he maxes out, he could become a stalwart defender with a wicked shot. Only time will tell.
Best case scenario: second-pair shut-down defender and PP opportunist
Worst case: import-export dealer for the Russian Tea Room restaurant, NYC

#77 -- Ryan Foss, C/LW, Windsor (OHL)
Foss is typical of the little mini-gems that could be found in the lower rounds of this year's draft, who couple good characteristics with some marginal ones. His skating and checking will never be elite, but he can become a strong hitter with a little offensive potential. He also knows his way around the faceoff dot. Won't take many penalties, either.
Best case scenario: 3rd/4th line defensive/PK center, hit-and-grind guy
Worst case: Mayor of Hartford

#78 -- Pavel Kraskovsky, C/LW, Yaroslavl (KHL)
The yin to Lyubushkin's yang (or maybe the other way round...my Russian stinks). A playmaking center who projects better on the wing. Not the best skater, but a quality stickman with some physical upside. Kraskovsky continues the Rangers trend this year to draft tall drinks of water.
Best case scenario: second-line playmaker, PP set-up specialist
Worst case: community college Russian language instructor

#104 -- Ryan "Not Robin" Hitchcock, LW/C, Yale (ECAC)
What is it with this GM and pot boosters? Seriously. Seems like a nice enough kid, since he's going to Yale and nothing bad ever comes from Yale. In a couple of years he could be two-way plugger for this team, with a high defensive upside. Good skater, decent enough faceoff man, but will probably make his mark on the wing.
Best case scenario: grindy, hustling 3rd/4th line forward
Worst case: doorman at Skull and Bones club

#138 -- Matthew Mistele, LW/RW, Plymouth (OHL)
Doesn't really stand out anywhere, but projects as a grinding forward with some offensive upside. Kind of a tweener who could fit in almost anywhere outside of the top line.
Best case scenario: 2nd- to 4th-line fill-in winger
Worst case: third footman on the Karmanos estate

#154 -- Tyler Bird, RW/LW, Brown (ECAC)
Middle-of-the-pack power forward. Has some defensive upside but will need to work to get there. Good shot, decent skating, won't take too many penalties. Inconsistent, but could find a home somwhere in the big leagues.
Best case scenario: punchy power foward with a snappy shot
Worst case: goes missing in the Bermuda Triangle

#184 -- Sebastian Moberg, D, Espoo (FIN)
Rail-thin Swedish, er, Finnish blueliner. Inconsistent as all hell, but has some nice defensive upside, with some physical presence. Might make a nice Christmas gift for someone, in exchange for another underperforming 7th rounder.
Best case scenario: 3rd-pair defenseman, with a boost
Worst case: Nokia salesman