Fast rising draft prospects force massive shift in Chris Drury offseason plans

With the NHL Draft days away, the mock trade boards look very different than they did weeks ago. The top remains relatively unchanged, with Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Caleb Malhotra and Chase Reid still expected to hear their names called in the top-four, but after that, it’s difficult to determine. 

Every year, draft-eligible prospects use the final months of the season and international tournaments to make their case to NHL clubs. 

With the New York Rangers holding two first-round selections, it’s been fun to watch the endless possibilities throughout the year, but draft position is beginning to finalize. 

Wyatt Cullen

Few players in this draft class have climbed rankings like Wyatt Cullen.

The son of former New York Ranger and three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen, Wyatt’s draft season began with its set of challenges. A preseason injury forced him to miss more than 20 games and delayed his opportunity to build momentum.

Upon returning, Cullen quickly reminded scouts why he was viewed as one of the more intriguing talents in the class. He finished the season with 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 40 games and elevated his game when the spotlight was brightest, recording nine points (three goals, six assists) at the U18 World Championship with Team USA.

Cullen’s game evolved tremendously in a short amount of time.  He added significant strength and size over the last 18 months, allowing his skating ability, shot and competitiveness to impact the ice in all three zones.

While he may not have the game-breaking upside of some projected ahead of him, Cullen projects as the type of reliable top-six forward who can play in every situation.

Entering the year, he was viewed as a potential second-round selection. A few months later, he worked his way into the late first-first round pick, and now, it would surprise no one for him to go in the top-10.

The Rangers may have once viewed him as a realistic option with the later of two first-round picks, but now it would be the shock of the draft if he remained available when they are on the clock.

Alexander Command

Alexander Command is another prospect who may have played himself out of the Rangers’  range.

He has not experienced the same sharp rise as Cullen, but his complete game has made him one of the safer projections in this class. Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis described Command as a “safe pick,” and his style of play makes it easy to understand why.

The Swedish center plays a mature two-way game and has added a stronger physical element to his toolkit. Although he did not record a point during his six-game stint in the SHL, he thrived in the U20 Nationell with 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games and continued producing at nearly a point-per-game pace during the playoffs.

There may not be one elite trait that jumps off the page, but Command’s hockey IQ and compete level make him an easy player to project into an NHL middle-six role.

He entered the season as a late first-round candidate but has steadily climbed into the middle of the round.

If he somehow slides to No. 26, Drury should not hesitate to get the pick in.

Maddox Dagenais

One player who could realistically be available when the Rangers make their selection is Maddox Dagenais.

The Québec Remparts center has gained considerable momentum in the months leading up to the draft after recording 62 points (30 goals, 32 assists) in 62 QMJHL games.

The production may not completely jump off the page in a CHL environment where offensive numbers are elevated, but Dagenais’ size and natural scoring ability is difficult to ignore.

At 6’4 and 200 pounds as an 18 year old, he already possesses a professional frame and should become even more difficult to handle as he continues to develop physically.

His shot is his greatest weapon, with a heavy release and great accuracy. When he drives the net with purpose, defenders often struggle to contain him. He also brings an edge physically, delivering punishing reverse hits and using his size to impose himself on opponents.

Dagenais has compared his style of play to Tage Thompson and Juraj Slafkovský. Those are ambitious comparisons, but the foundation is there for him to become a dangerous power forward if he can improve his consistency away from the puck.

For a Rangers prospect pool that could use more high-end forwards with legitimate size, Dagenais is a great upside swing.

Tommy Bleyl

Tommy Bleyl may be the biggest riser in the entire draft class.

After entering the year as a prospect projected to be selected much later, the New York native has forced his way firmly into the first or early second-round conversation.

The offensive defenseman exploded with the Moncton Wildcats, registering 81 points (13 goals, 68 assists) from the blue line while showcasing elite vision and playmaking ability.

Bleyl’s offensive instincts are all there. He consistently finds lanes  and creates opportunities through his intelligence and puck movement.

His skating is another major selling point. He moves effortlessly in all directions - a trait great offensive-minded defenseman in the NHL has.

The primary question surrounding his development curve is his physical maturity. The QMJHL does not present the same defensive challenges a lot of other leagues face, yet he finds himself being bullied at times. Without growing into his body, it’s going to be more and more difficult to hold his own without putting size on. 

There is a realistic chance Bleyl is still available at No. 26, although his profile does not align with the type of players Drury has historically favored. Regardless, whichever team selects him will be adding a great talent, with a potential homerun pick. 

Other names to monitor

Other notable risers throughout the season include brothers Liam and Markus Ruck, along with Elton Hermansson, Viggo Björck, Ryder Cali and Jack Hextall.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, prospects such as Keaton Verhoeff, Tynan Lawrence, Ethan Belchetz and Yegor Shilov have seen their stock trend downward as draft day approaches.

The Rangers may not be selecting at the very top of the order, but with two first-round picks, it’s fun to run the hypotheticals over and over until the names are selected.