News: HF’s Top 20 Rangers Prospects
Hockeys Future has released its list of the Rangers top 20 prospects for the Fall of 09.
Evgeny Grachev comes in at #1, followed by Artem Anisimov and Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Michael Del Zotto to round out the top 5.
On Grachev:
Grachev has continually risen in both the eyes of the Rangers management and HF since he was drafted in June of 2008. Although at times early in the 2008-09 OHL season, he seemed to give an inconsistent effort on the ice, after he adjusted to North American play, he was a standout for the OHL Brampton Battalion. Named OHL Rookie of the Year in April 2009, Grachev was the top first-year scorer in the league.
Although the Russian forward was drafted as a center, he spent much of the 2008-09 season playing on the left wing. At 6’3, 212 lbs, and the ability to make things happen in front of the net, Grachev is a prototypical power forward, who is now thought to become NHL-ready sooner than originally expected. He will get a good look in the Traverse City Rookie Tournament in early September, and then later in the month at the Rangers’ main training camp. Although it is likely that he will start the season as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack, an excellent showing this Fall could lead to a spot on the Rangers roster this October.
The last rankings had Grachev at #3, Anisimov at #1 and Michael Del Zotto at #2.
Other notables, Bobby Sanguinetti at #6, Chris Kreider at #7, Ethan Werek at #14 and Ryan Bourque at #15.
…Not surprising that Grachev is now one, Anisimov will be off the list come the spring rankings because he should be full-time with the Rangers, McDonagh, who the Rangers acquired for Scott Gomez being ranked third is very encouraging and Derek Stepan staying consistent in his spot is another good sign. As for Del Zotto, moving from two to five is a step down, but McDonagh grades out as a better prospect and Stepan showed tremendous potential at the US Juniors Camp.
Kreider, Werek and Bourque may all look like they are ranked lower then they should be, but they are all about 18 years old and still projects along the way. If in two years they haven’t moved, then it could be an issue, but for right now they are slotted right.
For the rest of the list, check out Hockey’s Future.
On Anisimov:
Expected to center a line on the Rangers roster this Fall, Anisimov had an outstanding regular season sophomore campaign with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2008-09. Fifth overall in the AHL in scoring, Anisimov was the top point producer among all AHLers under the age of 25. A reliable contributor, he played in every regular season and playoff game in which the Wolf Pack participated last season. With good size, an excellent work ethic and solid two-way play, Anisimov has made an excellent adjustment to the North American game over the past two seasons.
At the present time, it is thought that Anisimov will become a second-line NHL center, however, if he is successful there, the Rangers may eventually try him on the first line. He has the hands, instincts, and vision to be a candidate to fill that role.
On McDonagh:
McDonagh was Minnesota’s reigning “Mr. Hockey” when he was selected first among the US defensemen available in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. A quick-skating offensive blueliner, McDonagh was selected 12th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. He entered the University of Wisconsin that Fall, and did not get much ice time. However, he showed enough leadership skills so that after the season, the coaching staff named him an assistant captain for the 2008-09 season.
This past season, McDonagh got much more ice time, became a steady presence along the blueline, and was voted the most competitive player on the squad by his teammates. A solid performer on defense for the United States in the 2009 U20 World Junior Championships, McDonagh was also named to the Big Ten Academic All-Conference team this past spring.
Recently named a tri-captain of the 2009-10 Badgers, McDonagh is the only junior among the three. This is particularly significant because the 2009-10 squad is considered an upper-classmen team. With the decision of Jamie McBain to join the professional ranks, McDonagh will get the opportunity to show his offensive skills in the coming season. Should he do so, this will most likely be his last collegiate season.
On Stepan:
University of Wisconsin sophomore Stepan had a very good freshman season with the Badgers during 2008-09. After starting slowly, he became a go-to center as the season went along. He finished second on the Badgers in scoring, and was the top scorer on the team in the final 20 games of the season. The two-time WCHA Rookie of the Week was third among WCHA freshman last season.
Stepan has a high hockey IQ, great instincts, and soft hands. His positioning and coolness under pressure are top notch. Invited to the US U20 World Junior Championships Tryouts in Lake Placid earlier this month, Stepan was one of the better players in the camp.
Likely to be selected to play for the United States in the 2010 U20 WJCs, Stepan is expected to be an offensive for the US team, and play a large amount of ice time in all situations for the Badgers during this coming season.
