Rangers Prospect Preview: Incredible Defensive Talent Ready For a Chance

Yesterday I did a preview for the Rangers forward prospects. As you can see through the title, today I will preview the Rangers prospects on defense.

In September, when Ranger hopefuls meet for training camp, there will be a lot of good defenders trying out for a spot on the team. But unless moves are made to open up roster spots, there is no way that any of the prospects will make the team. With Michael Del Zotto, Dan Girardi, Michal Rozsival, Wade Redden, Steve Eminger, and Matt Gilroy already on the roster, moves will have to be made to open up spots for defenders to squeeze into. Moves will also have to be made in order to bring Marc Staal back.

But putting all of that aside, the Rangers have some great defensive prospects in their organization. I will choose who I feel are the top five defensive prospects, and write a small review of them as I did yesterday. I understand that some people will disagree with my choices, and if you do, leave a comment below stating whom you believe should’ve been in my top five, and why. Here I go…

5. D-Lee Baldwin: Lee was acquired by the Rangers on March 22, and was previewed by the Rangers on “20 Prospects in 20 days”. Lee is 22 years old with a frame of 6’3” 200 pounds. In seven games with the Hartford Wolf Pack last season, he tallied one goal, and four penalty minutes. While playing for the University of Alaska-Anchorage last season, he scored one goal, assisted nine other, and tallied 51 penalty minutes. He is a physical player, who can add a small scoring touch on defense. If spots are open on defense, expect him to fight hard to make the team. However I don’t see him making the team next season, but I believe he should be able to make it in about two seasons when he is more matured, and skilled.

4. D-Dylan Mcilrath: The 6’4” 212-pound defenseman was picked 10th overall in this season’s draft. Mcilrath is not known for having a scoring touch, though he scored seven goals and 17 assists last season for the Moose Jaw Warriors, but is very well known for his shutdown style of defense, and he is known for his extremely physical presence. In two seasons for Moose Jaw, he amassed a total of 271 penalty minutes in only 118 games. He still has a lot to learn about the professional game of hockey, but when he makes the NHL, expect him to be an outstanding shutdown d-man for the Rangers, and a key part to a Stanley Cup team.

3. D-Tomas Kundratek: Kundratek was taken 90th overall by the Rangers in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The Czech native played two seasons for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, and impressed many at the Rangers prospect camp. It is unlikely that he makes the New York Rangers this season, but will definitely be a favorite to make the team next season, and perhaps play with a prospect coming up later on in my article.

2. D-Mikhail Pashnin: The 21-year-old Russian defenseman was taken 200th overall by the Rangers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He was also taken first overall in the 2009 KHL Entry Draft. Pashnin turned a lot of heads during the Prospect Camp, and it’s believed that he will be a definite favorite to make the Rangers next season (because he has one more year left on his contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL). Pashnin played extremely well on a line with Tomas Kundratek at the prospect camp, and the two should be able to play well on a line together for the Rangers in the future. Though Pashnin only tallied one goal and four assists in 44 games last season, he showed that he can play an offensive style of defense. Whether he makes the team next season, or the season after that, he will be another key part to the Rangers in the future.

1. D-Ryan McDonagh: This was an obvious pick. McDonagh is without a doubt the most talented prospect for the New York Rangers, and was a huge steal in the Scott Gomez trade. It’s believed that Wade Redden will be waived, and that will open up a spot for a defensive prospect. Ryan McDonagh will likely be the prospect to take that spot. McDonagh is an excellent shut-down defenseman, and will be a huge part to the Rangers defensive corps in the near future.

There you have it. As I said in the beginning, I understand that some of you will disagree with my choices. If you do, leave a response and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Anyways, thanks for the read, I hope you enjoyed.

Just in case you missed my top five forward prospects, here’s a link to the article

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/421025-rangers-prospect-previewyoung-offensive-talent-ready-for-the-next-level