2025 NHL Draft: Shocking Picks Revealed!

New York Rangers Prepare for Draft Without First-Round Pick

The New York Rangers find themselves without a first-round selection in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, scheduled for June 27 at 7 p.m. ET, to be broadcast on ESPN. They traded their No. 12 overall pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins as the last condition of the J.T. Miller trade, opting instead to retain their first-rounder in 2026. This loss means the Rangers will miss out on acquiring a top prospect this year, but they remain poised to make a splash in the subsequent rounds.

Extended Picks in Rounds Two to Seven

Despite their absence in the first round, the Rangers are positioned to be active during rounds two through seven, which begin at noon on Saturday, broadcast on NHL Network and ESPN+. With a total of eight picks across these rounds, starting with the 43rd overall pick, the Rangers are set to make their highest total of selections since 2021. This offers an opportunity to add critical depth to their roster.

Strategic Focus Amidst Draft Variability

This year’s draft class is viewed as lacking high-end talents, leading many scouts to anticipate unpredictability among selections, particularly from the latter half of the first round. Chris Drury, the Rangers’ president, understands that while the absence of a premium draft slot is limiting, the ample selections in subsequent rounds provide avenues to enhance the organization’s overall talent pool.

Rangers’ Draft History and Future Outlook

The Rangers have historically faced challenges in the drafting process yet possess a commendable record of sourcing valuable players in the mid and late rounds. Notable recent finds include forwards Brett Berard (134th overall in 2020), Will Cuylle (60th overall in 2020), and goaltender Igor Shesterkin, selected 118th overall in 2014, who has blossomed into a franchise cornerstone.

Need for Talent Influx

The team’s prospect pipeline is currently under strain, having made only nine picks in the last two years combined due to several high-stakes trades aimed at immediate success. Key young talents like Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault show promise, but the system faces a notable deficiency at center and on defense.

Identifying Potential Steals

As the draft approaches, a focus on bolstering these essential positions is crucial. Drury and director of player personnel John Lilley will need to spot potential hidden gems among this year’s draft pool, aiming for players with untapped potential who could evolve into role players within the Rangers’ system.

Potential Moves Leading Up to the Draft

The Rangers might consider maneuvering during the draft. With their surplus of picks, Drury has the flexibility to move up to secure a coveted prospect should one unexpectedly slide down the board. Negotiations regarding defenseman K’Andre Miller are rumored, although Drury appears hesitant to part with him unless a compelling trade offers immediate help to the lineup.

Round 2 Draft Selection

In Round 2, the Rangers selected Malcolm Spence, a left winger from Mississauga, Ontario, who was widely projected to possess first-round talent. Spence accumulated 177 points (67 goals and 110 assists) over three seasons with the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His resume highlights include winning gold with Team Canada at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Draft Round Insights

Round 3 Selections

Addressing defensive needs, the Rangers drafted Sean Barnhill (70th overall) and Artyom Gonchar (89th overall). Barnhill, a towering 6-foot-5 defenseman, displayed solid defensive abilities with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL. Gonchar, a mobile defenseman from Chelyabinsk, Russia, is recognized for his offensive instincts and power play contributions, though he will need to strengthen his physical game.

Continued Focus on Defense

In later rounds, the Rangers selected Mikkel Eriksen, Zeb Lindgren, Samuel Jung, Evan Passmore, and Felix Farhammar, continuing their emphasis on defense while also looking to enhance their center depth. Each of these players showcases unique strengths that align with the Rangers’ need for a solid two-way game.

The Road Ahead for the Rangers

As the draft progresses, the Rangers are presented with a unique opportunity to reshape their roster and enhance their organizational depth. While they may not secure a franchise-changing talent in the first round, strategic picks in the subsequent rounds could yield significant long-term benefits.

With mounting scrutiny on every selection made in the coming days, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Rangers capitalize on their draft strategy. Updates and expert insights will be shared continuously as each round unfolds, making this draft one to watch as the Rangers seek to reclaim their place as contenders in the NHL.

Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.