New York Rangers: Top-10 prospects under 24
By Ed Stein
The New York Rangers are in the midst of a rebuild. Judging by the quality of their prospects, the future looks very bright on Broadway.
The New York Rangers have some very talented players coming up through their system. A few have even arrived on Broadway. Every player on the Top-10, under 24 list either is now or has the ability to become a solid NHL player. Additionally, there aren’t any gaping positional holes to fill. The team is solid across the board.
There is a good mix of offense, two-way hockey, smarts, and goaltending throughout this list. It helps that the team has some of the NHL’s marquee prospects. Five members of the New York Rangers organization made the Sporting News top-50 Prospects, while The Athletic listed three on their list. The Blueshirts are doing their rebuild the right way.
Honorable mention
Olof Lindbom (19), Goalie – Selected in 2017’s second round (39th overall), Lindbom ensures the Blueshirts goalie pipeline will be deep for years to come. He is technically sound and good enough to represent Sweden in international junior competitions each of the last four years. The young goalie needs to put some meat on his 6-1, 175 pound frame to succeed as a professional.
Nils Lundqvist (18), Defenseman – Despite being a first-round draft pick in 2018 (28th overall), Nils Lundqvist has a long way to go to be a solid NHL performer. Fortunately, the building blocks are there. He played 41 games with Luleå HC in Sweden’s top league as a 17-year-old. The defenseman averaged 16 minutes per night scoring 10 points. Additionally, Lundqvist played in all five games for Team Sweden at the WJC.
He skates well and does an excellent job moving the puck. He loves to join the rush, which should be more evident this year with Luleå. As of now, Lundqvist either needs to gain size or pick up speed to put up points at the NHL level. One or both of those things should come as he matures. If not his hockey IQ could be what gets him to the next level.