The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects and has been condensed from two articles to one. The article will bring you: The highlighted team’s draft; insights into its off-season moves; looking at prospect risers, fallers and likely prospects to play NHL games; and of course, the writers’ top-20 prospects. Articles may be brought back when an important team update occurs, so check back because we plan to fill your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season!
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Be sure to check out the New York Rangers team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/new-york-rangers/
To view past 32s go here: https://dobberprospects.com/category/feature/32-in-32-series/
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Finishing last season with 85 points, the Rangers came six short of a playoff berth – just one year after winning the Presidents’ trophy. Failing to meet expectations, New York brought in Mike Sullivan this summer as a new head coach, replacing Peter Laviolette. After trading Trouba and Kakko earlier in December, then shipping off Kreider as well as K’Andre Miller this off-season, the group has changed. Although the additions of Gavrikov, Morrow, and Terrance solidify the back-end and bring in youth, the Rangers are looking for internal growth to claw back into the playoffs. Cuylle is expected to play more minutes and take on a bigger role in the top-six. Perreault, one of the NHL’s top prospects, is getting ready to lace up for his Calder season. Also, the team will look towards their veterans Panarin, Zibanejad, Trocheck, J.T. Miller, and Fox to step up their game to avoid missing post-season action for the second year in a row.
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NHL Draft Recap
Round 2, 43rd Overall – Malcolm Spence, LW – (6-2, 200 lbs)
OHL: 65GP – 32G, 41A, 73P
Spence is a competitor. Slipping out of the first round, where many scouts had him going, the Rangers were able to grab him 43rd overall in this year’s draft. I had a chance to watch him play at the World Junior Summer Showcase a few weeks ago, and there’s a lot to love about his game. He battles for pucks by throwing his weight around and getting under sticks. He has a constant motor and skates hard every shift, whether it’s transitioning for offensive plays or backchecking to his own end. His shot is heavy and, combined with his quick release, adds some scoring to his game. Spence plays hard to the net with his stick down, ready to jam in any rebounds or backdoor opportunities. He’s a force to be reckoned with and a prototypical power forward with some bite to his game. Spence is headed to the NCAA next season to play for Michigan. There’s no doubt he has translatable NHL assets and should be making his debut with the Rangers in the near future. He projects as a top-six winger, with PP2 upside.
Round 3, 70th Overall – Sean Barnhill, RHD – (6-5, 215 lbs)
USHL: 54GP – 4G, 8A, 12P
There’s a lot to like when you can draft a 6-5, right-shot, mobile defenseman, and that’s what the Rangers get in Barnhill. He has very fluid backwards skating and can keep up with speedy forwards by pivoting with ease and effortless crossovers. His size and range allow him to excel in gap control by covering a large area of ice and angling players out. He isn’t a flashy player, but a simple and effective one. He doesn’t like to take risks; he plays a stay-at-home style, is positionally sound, and is highly effective on the penalty-kill. When you’re holding onto a one-goal lead, Barnhill is the type of player coaches put out on the ice. Committed to Michigan State University, if he can continue to develop some more offensive tools, don’t be surprised to see him in a Rangers jersey sooner rather than later.
Round 3, 89th Overall – Artyom Gonchar, LHD – (6-0, 157 lbs)
MHL: 50GP – 7G, 18A, 25P
After spending last season in Russia, Gonchar is coming over to North America to play in the OHL for Sudbury this fall. He shares many similar characteristics with his uncle Sergei, a long-time NHLer (who had 811 points through 1301 games). Artyom has great offensive instincts and is deadly when quarterbacking a power-play. He can thread a pass through multiple sticks and legs, and he can be deceptive on the blue line, throwing body fakes to freeze pressuring wingers. With his skating, he can create on his own, attracting players towards him, then finding teammates, or opening seams for himself to put a shot on net. His transition game is also something his opponents need to keep an eye on when he’s on the ice. He excels in offense and will join the rush every chance he gets. Gonchar is still a developing offensive-defenseman and will need to add some weight to his 6-0 frame before he turns pro. He has incredibly high upside and has the tools to become a top-four NHL defenseman who can run a power-play, just like his uncle.
Round 4, 111th Overall – Mikkel Eriksen, C – (5-11, 187 lbs)
J20: 40GP – 22G, 21A, 43P
For what Eriksen can bring to a lineup, he provides excellent value for the Rangers as a fourth-round selection. He spent last season playing in the J20 league in Sweden, where he was a point-per-game player. When watching him, his hockey IQ is very noticeable. He seems to play in slow motion – very patient, never rushes plays, and allows things to open up before creating. Although his size isn’t the biggest, he doesn’t shy away from contact and is willing to use his body during forechecks and to win board battles. He has an accurate shot and is just as accurate when passing, which makes him a dual-threat as both a scorer and passer on offense. I could see him providing secondary scoring to an NHL lineup in the future as a middle-six forward.
Round 5, 139th Overall – Zeb Lindgren, LHD – (6-1, 200 lbs)
J20: 38GP – 4G, 15A, 19P
When you watch Lindgren, you immediately notice how good a skater he is and how he uses it to his advantage. He excels in puck-retrieval and can skate out of trouble to provide good outlet passes. Although he has the skating ability to carry the puck, Lindgren would rather provide transitional support as he takes pride in his low-risk defensive game. He has good control when defending the rush, he has a good active stick in his own end, and he positions himself well, whether it’s to block shots, clear the front of his net, or be first on loose pucks. Next season, Lindgren will continue to develop his game in Sweden. When he decides to turn pro, I believe he has the tools to crack an NHL lineup as a No. 3-5 defenseman.
Round 6, 166th Overall – Samuel Jung, RW – (6-3, 172 lbs)
U20 SM-sarja: 44GP – 22G, 10A, 32P
Drafted as an overager, Jung was rewarded for the good season he had in Finland. Last season, he was deeply relied upon for his two-way game and his face off numbers. He brings a lot of energy to the team with his relentless forechecking and is often the “go-getter” during puck retrievals. The Rangers are betting on a long-shot projection with size when it comes to Jung. Not overly known for his offensive impact, but he brings effort and reliability, something coaches love.
Round 6, 171st Overall – Evan Passmore, RHD – (6-5, 212 lbs)
OHL: 62GP – 3G, 8A, 11P
Passmore has a towering presence on the ice. Standing at 6-5, 212 pounds, his range and physicality are what impress the most about his game. He’s known to have a good stick when facing rush attacks and uses it effectively on the penalty kill by actively moving it to close off lane options. He plays a steady stay-at-home style and protects the front of his net well. If he can develop the offensive side of his game and work on his foot speed, he could be a very intriguing name to keep an eye on.
Round 7, 203rd Overall – Felix Farhammar, LHD – (6-1, 185 lbs)
J20: 43GP – 3G, 18A, 21P
Farhammar is a Swedish-born left-handed defenseman known for his skating, edge work, and puck-moving abilities. He spent the majority of last season playing for Orebro HK’s junior team and impressed enough to earn himself a couple of games in the SHL. His two-way game allows him to be effective in all three zones. When attacking, he uses his mobility and vision to create space and find open lanes for teammates. On the defensive side, Farhammar presents a good stick to take away space, and doesn’t shy away from using his body to separate players from the puck.
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Off-Season Moves
Incoming
Vladislav Gavrikov, LD (seven-year deal, $7M AAV) – Signed in Free Agency.
Scott Morrow, RD – Acquired via trade with a conditional 2025 1st round pick and a 2026 2nd round pick for K’Andre Miller.
Conor Sheary, LW – Signed to a Professional Tryout.
Justin Dowling, C (two-year deal, $775K AAV)
Taylor Raddysh, RW (two-year deal, $1.5M AAV)
Trey Fix-Wolansky, RW (one-year, $775K)
Derrick Pouliot, LD (two-year deal, $775K AAV)
Brendan Brisson, LW (one-year, $775K)
Carey Terrance, C – Acquired via trade with a 2025 3rd round pick for Chris Kreider and a 2025 4th round pick.
Outgoing
Chris Kreider, LW – Traded with a 2025 4th round pick to ANA for Carey Terrance and a 2025 3rd round pick.
K’Andre Miller, LD – Traded to CAR for Scott Morrow, a conditional 2026 1st round pick, and a 2026 2nd round pick.
Zac Jones, LD – Signed by BUF
Nicolas Aube-Kubel, RW/C – Signed by MIN
Arthur Kaliyev, LW – Signed by OTT
Jake Leschyshyn, C – Signed by BUF
Bo Groulx, C/LW – Signed by TOR
Re-Signed
Will Cuylle, LW (two-year deal, $3.9M AAV)
Adam Edstrom, C (two-year deal, $975K AAV)
Matthew Robertson (two-year deal, $775K AAV)
Matt Rempe, RW (two-year deal, $975K AAV)
Jusso Parssinen, C (two-year deal, $1.25M AAV)
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In the System
Risers
Gabe Perreault, LW (23rd overall in 2023)
NCAA: 37GP – 16G, 32A, 48P
Perreault has been one of my favourite prospects to watch. It was hard to ignore his point production during his draft year, where he put up 132 points in 63 games with the U18 NTDP, and dominated at the U18 World Juniors, racking up 18 points over seven games. I’ve always felt that the Rangers got lucky when Perreault slipped to them at 23rd overall in 2023, and his play at the college level over the last two seasons solidifies my case. In 73 games with Boston College, he put up 108 points, which includes a 60-point freshman season. After last season, he signed his entry level contract with the Rangers and played his first five NHL games.
Perreault is an offense-first, point-producing playmaker. He has quick hands and is highly creative with the puck, allowing him to bait defenders before sliding a pass over to an open linemate. His vision is off the charts, and he often creates every play he sees. Although his playmaking is what impresses people the most, he’s also a very smart and hard-working hockey player. He has a knack for finding soft areas of the ice and burying rebounds around the net. He also has excellent eye-hand coordination, which has helped him score a lot of goals and create chances off tips. His puck-retrieval has improved a lot since being drafted; he’s now aggressive on stick lifts and constantly applies pressure towards opposing puck carriers in hopes of a turnover. He has all the tools to play up in the lineup, in a top-six role, with power play time. I hope the Rangers give him the opportunity, because he can truly be a star.
Scott Morrow, RD (40th overall in 2021)
AHL: 52GP – 13G, 26A, 39P
NHL: 14GP – 1G, 5A, 6P
Morrow is joining the Rangers in a trade that sent K’Andre Miller to the Hurricanes. After being drafted in 2021, he spent three years in the NCAA at UMass, where he was dominant. He put up 94 points over 109 games and became the first freshman defenseman in school history to record 30 points. Last season, he turned pro and was very productive, putting up 39 points in 52 games with the Wolves. Also earning himself a stint in the NHL, he put up his first six NHL points.
Morrow has dynamic offensive instincts. He has consistently been a point-producer at all levels, and I don’t doubt he will continue to do so at the NHL level. His poise with the puck and stick-handling is impressive for a defenseman. In transition, he loves to carry it up the ice and can slice through traffic to allow his teammates to set up in the offensive zone. That is where he does a lot of damage. He sees the ice exceptionally well, can deliver precise passes, and is very deceptive in that regard. Despite all of his offensive gifts, he will need to work on the defensive side of his game if he wants to be a full-time NHLer, especially when facing fast-rush situations. With Fox running the number one power-play unit, I don’t see Morrow taking his place, but he’s a perfect option to have as a PP2 quarterback.
Brennan Othmann, LW (16th overall in 2021)
AHL: 27GP – 12G, 8A, 20P
NHL: 22GP – 0G, 2A
After being drafted, Othmann played the next two seasons in the OHL, where he picked up a 97-point season with Flint and became an OHL champion the following year with Peterborough. Since turning pro two seasons ago, the Rangers should be pleased with his progress, as he’s put up 69 points in 89 games in his time with Hartford. He has yet to find success in the NHL, with only two points in 25 games, but those numbers mask his actual performance.
Othmann has a sneaky release and is a constant shooting threat from any angle. He often finds openings when others would not elect to shoot and delivers it with pinpoint accuracy. He sees the ice well and has a good sense of his surroundings, frequently finding open teammates with passes. He plays the game with a lot of jam, and other teams need to be aware when he’s on the ice, as he’s always looking to lay big hits. His forechecking has improved significantly, as he now takes better routes to intercept or get a stick on the puck. He is a menace on the ice that opposing teams hate to play against. He knows his identity and should be a great addition to the Rangers’ lineup as early as this season, in a middle-six role.
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Fallers
Dylan Garand, G (103rd overall in 2020)
AHL: 39GP – (20-10-9), 2.73 GAA, .913 SV%
Garand has spent the last three seasons playing in the AHL for the Wolf Pack, where he has been sharing the crease. Although he has faced some ups and downs in his play, Garand is coming off his most successful year, winning 20 games over 39 starts, posting a 2.72 GAA, and a .913 SV%. With Quick serving as a backup role to Shesterkin, he’s slated to start another year with Hartford, where he will continue to develop and work on his consistency. At 6-0, his height is below average for a goaltender, and there have been concerns about how deep he plays in his net. As a smaller goaltender, he needs to work on being more aggressive to cut off angles and make quicker lateral movements. If he’s able to continue on his upward trend, I could see him serving as a backup to Shesterkin as soon as Quick’s tenure is over.
Bryce McConnell-Barker, C (97th overall in 2022)
AHL: 68GP – 7G, 8A, 15P
McConnell-Barker turned pro last season after spending the two previous ones in the OHL, where he put up 128 points in 120 games with Soo. Despite impressive point totals over there, he struggled to find the scoresheet in his rookie year in the AHL.
McConnell-Barker plays a simple game. He’s not overly flashy, but he works hard and takes pride in his 200-foot game. Despite good positioning, he can tend to over-extend during breakouts and lose coverage at times. He has a good shot, but his offensive creativity could use some improvement, as he’s often predictable in his movements and who he wants to pass to. With time to grow as a prospect, he will continue to develop in the AHL. He was dominant in the OHL, so he’ll need to learn to translate his toolkit to the next level.
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Likely to see NHL action
– Gabe Perreault
– Scott Morrow
– Brennan Othmann
– Brett Berard
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Top 20 Prospects
This section is intended to paint a picture of the New York Rangers prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL. Arrival date and NHL certainty have been taken into consideration; however, potential upside is the most important factor in determining this list.
1. Gabe Perreault, LW
2. Scott Morrow, RD
3. Malcolm Spence, LW
4. EJ Emery, LD
5. Brennan Othmann, LW
6. Brett Berard, LW
7. Brendan Brisson, LW
8. Carey Terrance, LD
9. Dylan Garand, G
10. Adam Sykora, LW
11. Sean Barnhill, RD
12. Artyom Gonchar, LD
13. Drew Fortescue, LD
14. Noah Laba, C
15. Matthew Robertson, LD
16. Mikkel Eriksen, C
17. Dylan Roobreck, C
18. Bryce McConnell-Barker, C
19. Jaroslav Chmelar, RW
20. Jackson Dorrington, LD
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Final Thoughts
Heading into the season with a new coach and several lineup changes, the New York Rangers are looking to prove to the league that they belong back in the playoffs. With prospects Perreault, Othmann, and Morrow poised to fight for roster spots, the team looks to add youth, skill, and energy to its veteran core. When the Rangers won the Presidents’ trophy a couple of seasons ago, their power play was deadly, hovering around 26% (ranked 3rd). They will look to find that success again heading into this season, as they took a significant dip last year, succeeding only 17% of the time (ranked 28th), despite being second in the league for possession time while being a man up. Their lineup is filled with talent. Having a 2022 Vezina winner in Shesterkin, a 2021 Norris winner in Fox, and Panarin, who won the Calder in 2016, was a Ted Lindsay finalist in 2020, and a multiple-time Hart Trophy finalist over the years. The goal remains the same for the team as it has been for the last three years: Stanley Cup or bust.
Will they miss the postseason for the second year in a row? Two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Sullivan looks to avoid that as he takes the reins behind the bench to bring the Rangers back to form. It all begins in six weeks, as the season starts on October 7th.
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Projected lineup 2025-2026
| LW | C | RW |
| Panarin | Trocheck | Lafreniere |
| Cuylle | J.T. Miller | Zibanejad |
| Perreault | Parssinen | *Raddysh |
| Edstrom | Carrick | Rempe |
| LD | RD |
| *Gavrikov | Fox |
| Soucy | Borgen |
| Schneider | *Morrow |
| G |
| Shesterkin |
| Quick |
* = New addition
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Be sure to check out the New York Rangers team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/new-york-rangers/
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Thank you for reading this summer edition of the New York Rangers 32-in-32. If you just scrolled to the bottom to see the lineup, I don’t blame you!
If you want to see me rant about hockey on Twitter/X, you can follow me personally – @AlforqueE
‘Til next time,
Emmanuel Alforque