What If: The Rangers Knew How To Draft in 2003

As a die hard Rangers fan, I've been disappointed with the team's efforts for years. However, the 2003 NHL Entry Draft stings the most.

With the 12th overall pick, the Rangers chose Hugh Jessiman from Darthmouth College. His attributes matched those of the type of players being drafted in that era: big and not afraid to play in front of the net.

Did Mr. Jessiman work out for the Rangers? No. In fact, he is currently the only first round pick from 2003 to not play in an NHL game.

Here are a few all stars chosen after Jessiman in the first round.

Drafted 13th Overall by the Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Brown

Drafted right after Jessiman, Dustin Brown has done nothing but impress.

2005–06	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	79	14	14	28	80	—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	81	17	29	46	54	—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	78	33	27	60	55	—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	80	24	29	53	64	—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	82	24	32	56	41	6	1	4	5	6

You see that 'C' on his chest? Brown is a natural born leader and while he does not score big time, he is overflowing with intangibles and can contribute quite often.

If the Rangers drafted Brown, some of their offensive and toughness problems would go down the drain. 

Drafted 17th Overall by the New Jersey Devils: Zach Parise

The Rangers passing on Zach Parise still stings to this day. I love him as a player, but hate him as a rival. At a time when the Rangers need offense, Parise would have solved their problems nicely.

2005–06	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	14	18	32	28	9	1	2	3	2
2006–07	New Jersey Devils	NHL	82	31	31	62	30	11	7	3	10	8
2007–08	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	32	33	65	25	5	1	4	5	2
2008–09	New Jersey Devils	NHL	82	45	49	94	24	7	3	3	6	2
2009–10	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	38	44	82	32	5	1	3	4	0

If the Rangers drafted Parise, their scoring woes would be gone. 

Drafted 19th Overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf

What do the Rangers need right now? A legitimate number one center. What did they pass on in 2003? Ryan Getzlaf who brings top flight scoring and an intimidating style of play to the ice. 

2005–06	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	NHL	57	14	25	39	22	16	3	4	7	13
2006–07	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	82	25	33	58	66	21	7	10	17	32
2007–08	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	77	24	58	82	94	6	2	3	5	6
2008–09	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	81	25	66	91	121	13	4	14	18	25
2009–10	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	66	19	50	69	79	—	—	—	—	—

If the Rangers drafted Getzlaf, they would not have to rely on Erik Christensen to center their only superstar forward (Marian Gaborik).

Drafted 24th Overall by the Philadelphia Flyers: Mike Richards

Another bit of a stinger, Mike Richards was drafted by a rival as well. Like Brown, he does not score big time, but he does score quite a lot and is a natural born leader.

2005–06	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	79	11	23	34	65	6	0	1	1	0
2006–07	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	59	10	22	32	52	—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	73	28	47	75	76	17	7	7	14	10
2008–09	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	79	30	50	80	63	6	1	4	5	6
2009–10	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	82	31	31	62	79	23	7	16	23	18

If the Rangers drafted Richards, they would have a legitimate center for Marian Gaborik.

Drafted 28th Overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: Corey Perry

The (Mighty) Ducks struck gold in this draft drafting two first line players. Both have been NHL All-Stars. Hugh Jessiman has not even touched NHL ice yet.

In Corey Perry, the Ducks have a unique player. He is a pest who could score, a lot. He is basically what Rangers fans would want out of Sean Avery. 

2005–06	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	NHL	56	13	12	25	50	11	0	3	3	16
2006–07	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	82	17	27	44	55	21	6	9	15	37
2007–08	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	70	29	25	54	108	3	2	1	3	8
2008–09	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	78	32	40	72	109	13	8	6	14	36
2009–10	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	82	27	49	76	111	—	—	—	—	—

If the Rangers drafted Perry, fans would be cheering for his antics and scoring and there would most likely be no 'scoring problems.'