New York Rangers: Blueshirts Look to the Future in NHL Draft

June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Lias Andersson poses for photos after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the New York Rangers in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Rangers had not had a first round pick since 2012. With two first round picks in 2017, the Rangers doubled up on European centers.

After trading away their first round selection in each of the past four years, the New York Rangers finally participated in the first night of the NHL Draft in 2017.

Coming into the week, the Rangers had the 21st pick in the first round.

Then, Friday afternoon, the Blueshirts shipped out veteran center Derek Stepan and backup goalie Antii Raanta to the Arizona Coyotes. In return, New York got defenseman Anthony DeAngelo and the 7th overall pick in Friday night’s draft.

With that 7th pick in the first round, the Rangers selected Lias Andersson, a center from Sweden.

NHL.com‘s analysis on Andersson:

"A rugged, two-way left-handed center who is effective on faceoffs and hard to knock off the puck. Andersson (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) was interviewed by 30 teams at the NHL Scouting Combine. He competes hard, is strong in 1-on-1 battles and plays a 200-foot game. He can play wing or center. Andersson recently signed a two-year contract with Frolunda in Sweden and will report in 2017-18."

After picking up a potential Stepan replacement, New York doubled down on European centers.

With the 21st selection, the Blueshirts took center Filip Chytil from the Czech Republic.

NHL.com‘s scouting report on Chytil:

"A strong skater capable of making things happen with the puck, Chytil (6-foot-2, 191 pounds) played regularly in the top Czech league. He was good in the traffic areas, has strong hockey sense and did not shy away from battles in the corners. He’s a prototypical power forward capable of playing center or left wing."

Ranger fans aren’t used to their team making selections on the first night of the NHL Draft.

Recently, the front office has traded future picks in order to add pieces to their roster to try and win now.

New York has been to the NHL Playoffs in 11 of the last 12 seasons. However, they have not secured that elusive Stanley Cup championship since 1993-94.

Many believe the Rangers’ championship window will be open only as long as goalie Henrik Lundqvist is playing well between the pipes.

After buying out Dan Girardi, losing Oscar Lindberg to the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft, and trading Derek Stepan and Antii Raanta, the Rangers have some changes coming.

Next: Contract Extension with Islanders Coming for John Tavares?

More from Empire Writes Back

The trade with Arizona opens up some salary cap space for New York to add a free agent or two. The Blueshirts also added two centers in the first round of the NHL Draft that they hope will be top-six forwards in the near future.

All in all, the Rangers’ first round debut in the Alain Vigneault era was a success.

Home/New York Rangers