If there is a guy in this years draft who fits the mold of a Rangers draft pick, its Carter Ashton- high character, very intelligent on the ice (as well as being a fantastic student off the ice) and knows how to play in all three zones. Ashton netted 30 goals for a so so Lethibridge team in the WHL, showing that he has the ability to put the puck in the net. Ashton stands at a legit 6'3" and has a frame that can use some filling out, but he should be able to play at around 220. His dad, Brent Ashton, was a former NHL player who enjoyed a very solid 14 year career in the league - The younger Ashton is more talented than pops.
the downside? Ashton would fit in with the Rangers of right now with his attitude sometimes. Its not a poor one, and he'll never be called lazy but he just doesn't have that battle level that you'd like to see out of a player (opposed to a guy like Klingberg, who isn't as talented but has tremendous battle level.) Ashton also has questionable upside and while he should be able to fill a role on the bottom six if he doesnt pan out as a top six forward, the Rangers really cant afford to miss with this pick.
My Rating (1-10) 6 - I like Ashton and think that he has a reasonable amount of upside to justify taking him with the #19 pick. Hes not going to be the best player available at this spot, though.
Player Comparisons: Dustin Brown
Chances hes around at 19: 90% - someone may take a chance on him earlier, but I doubt it.
Zack Budish
Bust or Boom. You have to be wary about drafting any kid straight out of high school (one of the reasons I want the rangers to stay away from Chris Kreider at 19) but say the Rangers trade down and pick up an additional 2nd round pick, I'd love to take Budish. 6'3" 225 - this dude already has an NHL frame. Hes committed to play hockey at the University of Minnesota next year.
The book on Budish isn;t very long - there isn't a ton of scouting that goes on with the NJHS scene and he missed his entire senior season after tearing his ACL in a football game. The bust potential with kids straight out of HS is extremely high.
My Rating (1-10) 4.5 and may get as high as 8 - Like I said, bust or boom. I love this dudes upside.
Player Comparison: John Leclair
Chances he'll be around at 19 - 100%, chances I'll be pissed if we take him at 19 - 100%
Tomas Tatar
I LOVE this kid. Small, shifty, enthusiastic and just oozing with upside. Tatar put his name on the map by having an excellent, and i mean excellent, World Junior Championship on a very weak team. Hes playing in a pro league in slovakia right now and is more than holding his own.
Like Budish, there isn't much of a book on Tatar. Hes listed at 5'10" and 165 but both are pretty generous.
My Rating (1-10) 6.5 - Really, really like this kid and just by watching him I think he has the type of game that will translate very well to the NHL.
Players comparison - Sergei Samsonov/Brian Gionta hybrid.
Chances hes around at #19 - 100%, hes a kid id love to take with a late first if we trade down. If we took him at 19 there'd be a bit of an outrage, but I believe in this dude.
