Top NY Rangers Prospects to Keep an Eye on in the 26-27 Season
As we head into the most boring part of the NHL Offseason, the New York Rangers prepare for their 26-27 campaign. Though looking like a much better squad than their previous campaign, despite that not being very hard to pull off, their prospect pool has fans much more intrigued than it did back in May. A few offseason moves later have given the fans at MSG hope that promising prospects can make their way into the lineup as the season progresses. As a few youngsters in the lineup already look to take the next step, here are a few prospects fans will surely keep an eye on this season.
Albert Šmits
As of June 26th, the Rangers welcomed a new number one prospect into their organization. It may have come as an unexpected choice to most fans, given who else was available, but the selection is made, and all eyes are now on Albert Šmits to become the next generation of Rangers defense. His time representing Latvia at the IIHF World Championship should be more than enough evidence that this kid comes to the Big Apple hoping to give Adam Fox a run for his money offensively soon. A big, physical skater who knows how to shut plays down is always welcomed in the NHL, and fans know too well not to rush the 18-year-old. Just recently signing his entry-level contract, he’ll either battle for a spot in the lineup on opening night or begin his career in Hartford, the option looking to be much better development-wise. Seeing a top-five pick in action right off the bat is always a joy, but if the Rangers want to, at long last, develop a top pick correctly, they’ll know how important it is not to be too quick with the Latvian defenseman; let him earn his spot first.
Cole Beaudoin
A hard farewell to Vincent Trocheck as he makes his way to the Utah Mammoth, but what was earned in return makes the trade very much worth it. Along with defenseman Sean Durzi, the Blueshirts acquired Cole Beaudoin, a player many fanbases may grow to despise in time. Selected 24th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, experts agree that what you see here is an absolute mutant on the ice. Not just a mutant, but a productive one as well, coming off a career year of 33 goals in the OHL. No matter where you see the 20-year-old in the lineup, his presence alone may grow to be a key part of the Rangers' future. He, too, will be fighting for a spot on opening night, though if he can first stay true to his physicality on the ice in Hartford, the crowd could very well be brought to life by his presence in Madison Square Garden later in the season.
Liam Greentree
When Artemi Panarin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, fans looked at the return and could do nothing but ask what kind of sick joke it was. Seeing no future first-round pick in sight, fans immediately called for Chris Drury’s head. In due time, fans would soon look at the upsides, and the largest upside is Liam Greentree. Picked just two spots after Beaudoin in the 2024 draft, the 20-year-old was no doubt LA’s top prospect, and has a strong case to skate in MSG this season. Concluding his time in the OHL, the former Windsor captain is described as an average skater, but fans should never underestimate any prospect, no matter what’s said on paper. Offense-wise, the Ontario native stands as one of New York's biggest prospects, whom they cannot afford to fail to develop. The New York Rangers are in big need of help from their wingers, and if Greentree can earn himself a roster spot in the coming seasons, they’ll be set up quite nicely with their top-six.
