The Rangers are set to have more than one pick during Day 1 of the NHL draft on Friday for the first time since winning the 2020 lottery.
With 11 picks overall over the next two days, the Blueshirts interviewed more than 70 players at the NHL combine earlier this month in what could be the organization’s largest draft class in more than two decades.
Fifth overall was the lowest the Rangers could get in this year’s draft lottery after finishing tied for third-worst in the NHL. Filling their prospect closet should be a priority in this retool. The first choice they make should be the result next season.
Chase Reid has impressed many teams in more ways than one, including the Rangers. One source compared the personality and character of Michigan State’s tight end Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders’ first-round pick last year who captured the hearts of all hockey fans on and off the ice.
If Reid falls to No. 5, the Ranger may jump, but there is no guarantee that he will still be available at that time.
While some predicted the Canucks would take Caleb Malhotra at No. However, many speculations have Malhotra moving among the first four options.
Even if Malhotra is available for Rangers, the word is higher than other players.
The likely bowlers will still be options at No. 5 are three defenders: Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Cares and Alberts Smits. Scouts say the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Smits is one of the most NHL-ready blueliners available in the draft, which should appeal to the Rangers.
Verhoeff was the youngest defenseman in college hockey this past season and turned 18 last week, but the right shot is praised for his presence and confidence. In his freshman season at the University of North Dakota, Verhoeff was a top-four defenseman, supported the power play and was one of the team’s on-ice leaders.
“I was very impressed with his ability to compete physically,” UND coach Dane Jackson told The Post in a recent phone interview. “Also his ability to adapt and find and adapt his game to be more efficient and move the pucks faster than he had to do in minor hockey.”
Committed to UND for the 2026-27 season, Carels posted 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League.
The left back grew up working on his family’s farm just outside the Cypress River in Manitoba, Canada. Concerns about his ability to thrive in a big city like New York are warranted and will likely be considered, but he is said to have a well-rounded game that has already surpassed any fears.
“I think Carson has a real edge to his game,” Jackson said. “Old-school body type and the type of difficulty he competes against. Those are always good defenders to have in front of your net when you have guys who punish the opposition.”
