The Rangers have seven selections to make in the first 92 picks of next month’s draft.
This became official following the Canadiens’ Game 7 overtime victory against the Sabers to advance to the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night, locking the Blueshirts into the No. 1 spot.
The traded pick, originally owned by the Stars and acquired by the Rangers in the K’Andre Miller trade from the Hurricanes last summer, is just another key piece in president and general manager Chris Drury’s plan.
Equipped with pick No. 5 again, the Rangers are expected to draft a center or defenseman depending on who is still available.
If Caleb Malhotra falls that low in the draft, the center committed to Boston University will attract the Rangers. Otherwise, the organization will likely have a few interesting blueliners to choose from, such as left tackle Carson Cares and right tackle Keaton Verhoeff.
The draft board is wide open after the 15th pick, which will give the Rangers the freedom to pursue organizational needs.
Assuming Malhotra is drafted before he’s on the clock, the Rangers could always trade up from No. 26 if there’s another center — or any position player — on their radar. They did that with Braden Schneider in 2020, when they traded their 22nd and 72nd picks to Calgary in exchange for the 19th pick to draft a young defenseman who is now in the trade center.
If they decide to use the pick, the Rangers have plenty of centers to choose from.
Here’s a list of players (randomly) the Rangers could take at No. 26, focusing on the organization’s need at center:
Simas Ignatavicius, C
Last team: Genève-Servette
In a bid to become the third Lithuanian player taken in the NHL draft, Ignatavicius excelled in Switzerland this year and competed for his country on the international stage. His direct, linear game is light in all the best ways, wrapped in a strong physical frame at 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds. The 18-year-old has tallied seven goals and six assists in 52 games in the Swiss National League, with 43 penalty minutes and an average of seven assists.
Tomáš Chrenko, C
Last team: HK Nitra (Slovakia)
An offensive-minded center considered to be among the top picks at the position in this year’s draft, Chrenko had a breakout season in the Slovak Extraliga. Not only did he post 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) in 44 games, but he also collected 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 19 playoff games. The 18-year-old is said to be a strong player who can contribute on the power play and tackle many of the challenges he will face at the NHL level.
Maddox Dagenais, C
Last team: Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Taking a big step from Year 1 to Year 2 in the QMJHL, Dagenais seems to have a big impact that could attract many teams. His shooting and early instincts are the defining characteristics of the Canadian forward, but Dagenais has also shown the ability to slide and create. After collecting 30 goals and 32 assists this season, Dagenais won the Mike Bossy Trophy – awarded to the league’s best player.
Ilia Morozov, C
Last team: Miami University (NCAA)
While most of his selling points have to do with his performance and his willingness to learn and adapt, Morozov has raised the draft class a bit this season with his play on the ice. He began the 2025-26 season as the youngest player in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey, but Morozov’s 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) are still tied for fifth most at Miami. He plans more for the next six. His two-way game and versatility are also notable.
Nikita Klepov, LW
Last team: Saginaw Air (OHL)
Committed to Michigan State University next season, Klepov will bring his elite athleticism and a shot at the NCAA. There wasn’t much left for him to accomplish in the OHL after winning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league’s leading scorer following a 97-point campaign (37 goals, 60 assists). He is a one-time heavy hitting power play weapon and is said to have great hockey skills.
Tommy Bleyl, RHD
Last team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Bleyl will be one of the best blueliners available in this range. Also committed to Michigan State University, but not expected to land until the 2027-28 season, Bleyl is highly skilled and versatile. While his diminutive 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame may cause some skepticism, the Schenectady native can put up points. He recorded 81 points (13 goals, 68 assists) in 63 games, while posting 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) in 21 playoff games.
William Hakansson, LHD
Last team: Luleå HF (Sweden)
On the other end of the defensive scale, Hakansson is very physical at 6-foot-4 and 207 pounds. He won’t put up 81 points like Bleyl, but Hakansson projects to be a reliable shutdown blueliner who still moves well despite his size. It is said that it is difficult to hit the ground. With strong gap control, Hakansson can also close off shooting lanes.
