10. Brett Howden (21), Center
Brett Howden is another player the Blueshirts acquired in the February 26, 2018, Rangers veteran, dispersal trade with Tampa Bay. He’s all go, the kind of player that resonates well with fans and teammates. One day, Howden will win the New York Rangers Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award because he leaves it all out on the ice every game.
The Calgary native made the team out of nowhere last fall after only eight total games in the minors on a tryout contract at the end of 2017. He didn’t disappoint either, putting up six goals, and 17 assists in 66 games. A solid playmaker rather than scorer, Howden projects as either a second or third-line forward in the NHL. A role he may slot into this season.
9. Tony DeAngelo (23), Defense
Sometimes it feels like it’s either boom or bust with Tony DeAngelo. No one doubts the former 2014 first-round pick (19th overall) has skills. In 2018-19 he put up 30 points in 61 games with the New York Rangers averaging over 19 minutes per game. It’s a joy to watch him carry the puck up the ice. But there is also a downside.
DeAngelo needs to grow up and realize that talent can only take a player so far in the NHL. Coach David Quinn made him a healthy scratch on several occasions last year. After one such benching in mid-March, Quinn said to the NY Post:
"“He gave me a small reason to take him out. He’s made a lot of progress and a lot of strides and we’ve all watched what he’s done on the ice. He’s made a lot of strides off the ice too like all young players have to make. But there are certain things that are non-negotiable.”"
If the New Jersey native can put it all together, he can be a mainstay of the team for years. It’s not inconceivable that DeAngelo can be a 50 point scorer from the backend. And as the video shows, he isn’t afraid to drop the gloves.