The New York Rangers, with their No. 26 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, face an intriguing challenge. The selection, originally belonging to the Dallas Stars and acquired by the Rangers in a trade, presents an opportunity to bolster their depleted prospect pool. While it may not garner as much attention as their first pick at No. 5, it's a valuable asset nonetheless. The question arises: Who could the Rangers select, and how will the board shake out?
The draft's second half is considered more jumbled, with the top 13-15 picks offering the best value. The Rangers have needs across the board, but center could be a particular area of interest. Top-ranked center Caleb Malhotra is unlikely to slip to No. 26, so the Rangers might target a defenseman with their first selection. However, the second half of the draft offers a mix of pivots with flaws that could keep them out of the top 15 but still be attractive in the 15-30 range.
Here's a breakdown of potential prospects, with a focus on forwards and defensemen, and my personal commentary on each:
Forwards
Tomáš Chrenko, C, Nitra (Slovakia): A 5-foot-11, 172-pounder, Chrenko is a highly productive offensive talent. While Corey Pronman is skeptical, praising his creativity and speed but ranking him 65th, I find his size and skill set intriguing. He could be a valuable addition, despite concerns about being pushed around.
Alexander Command, C, Örebro (Sweden): Standing at 6-foot-1, 183-pounder, Command is a popular choice. Pronman and Scott Wheeler ranked him inside the top 18, noting his smarts and strength on pucks. His left-handed release makes him an appealing prospect for NHL clubs.
Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec (QMJHL): Dagenais, at 6-foot-4 and 196 pounds, checks a lot of boxes. Wheeler ranked him highly, and Pronman praised his size, physicality, and high-end left-handed shot. He's a strong candidate for the first round.
Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL): Hextall, a 6-foot-1, 188-pounder, plays with strength and smarts. While Wheeler questioned his offensive upside, Pronman ranked him highly, calling him a skilled center with excellent offensive sense. His commitment and two-way play make him an attractive prospect.
Simas Ignatavicius, RW, Genève-Servette (Switzerland): Ignatavicius, a 6-foot-3, 198-pounder, has experience at center but is projected on the wing. His size, speed, hands, and net-driving ability make him a late first-round consideration. The Rangers might find his versatility enticing.
Nikita Klepov, LW, Saginaw (OHL): Klepov, a Michigan State commit, led the OHL with 97 points. Despite size concerns, his playmaking and deception give him top-six potential. The Rangers might be tempted to take a chance on his upside.
Ilia Morozov, C, Miami University (NCAA): Morozov, a 6-foot-3, 200-pounder, centered Miami's top line. While he may not be a big point-producer, his mobility and bottom-six center potential make him an attractive prospect. Pronman's ranking of 33rd reflects his value.
Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa (OHL): Rogowski, a 6-foot-7, 235-pounder, has massive upside. Pronman ranked him highly, comparing him to Dean Letourneau. However, Wheeler noted concerns about his intensity. His size and potential make him a risky but rewarding pick.
Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL): Liam Ruck, a 6-foot, 176-pounder, plays a direct, scoring game. His high motor and defensive instincts are impressive. Skating is a concern, but his hockey sense and scoring touch make him a prospect worth considering.
Markus Ruck, C, Medicine Hat (WHL): Markus Ruck, his twin brother, is a committed two-way player with penalty-killing experience. His skating and slighter frame are concerns, but his points and playmaking make him a likely second-rounder.
Defensemen
Tommy Bleyl, RHD, Moncton (QMJHL): Bleyl, a 6-foot, 165-pounder, is an undersized defenseman with exceptional skill. His mobility and effortlessness make him a unique prospect in this range. The Rangers might be willing to take a chance on his potential.
Adam Goljer, RHD, Trencin (Slovakia): Goljer, a 6-foot-1, 195-pounder, is a steady top-four defenseman. Pronman ranked him highly, praising his ability to provide value at both ends of the ice. His consistency and offensive production make him an attractive pick.
William Hakansson, LHD, Luleå (Sweden): Hakansson, a 6-foot-4, 207-pounder, is an athletic and projectable defenseman. While he doesn't put up many points, his first pass and defensive stoutness make him a depth two-way partner. His ranking reflects his value as a safe pick.
Juho Piiparinen, RHD, Tappara (Finland): Piiparinen, a 6-foot-3, 203-pounder, is a well-rounded defenseman with no major flaws. His vanilla game makes him a relatively safe play for teams seeking a high floor. His ranking suggests he could be a reach at No. 26.
In conclusion, the New York Rangers have a challenging but exciting task at No. 26. The draft's second half offers a mix of prospects with flaws and upside. The Rangers must carefully consider their needs and the potential of each player, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to make the best possible selection.
