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The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects! Every day in July we will be bringing you a complete breakdown of a team’s Draft, and insights into their off-season movements thus far. Following this up in August, we will dive into every team’s prospect depth chart with fantasy insights and implications for the upcoming seasons. Check back often, because we plan on filling your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season long!‘

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After a strong run to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2021-22 season, 2022-23 represented a disappointing finish for the New York Rangers, one that ultimately led to the dismissal of head coach Gerard Gallant. The Blueshirts finished the season with 107 points, good for third in their division, after strong campaigns from the Carolina Hurricanes and the young but talented New Jersey Devils. Franchise netminder Igor Shesterkin struggled for part of the season, after his remarkable Vezina trophy winning season the year prior. Additionally, Chris Kreider, fresh off of his brilliant 52-goal, 77-point season, regressed to 36 goals and 54 points. Still, the team looked poised to make a significant playoff run, especially after adding three-time cup winner Patrick Kane along with Vladimir Tarasenko, Niko Mikkola, and Tyler Motte at the trade deadline. In the end, however, the Rangers were beaten in seven games in the opening round by their division rival Devils, meaning that changes were sure to be made. A large portion of their coaching and training staffs were overhauled, and the team brought in some veteran players to fill out their roster. Due to cap constraints, neither Kane nor Tarasenko are expected to be signed by the club, and both are unrestricted free agents.

Draft

Round One, 23rd- Gabriel Perreault, RW

Gabriel Perreault, son of former NHLer Yanic, was a dominant scorer for the US National team development program (USNTDP). In 63 games played with the U18 team, he produced 53 goals and 79 assists for 132 points, better than two points per game on average. In USHL play, the Illinois native appeared in 23 games, scoring 45 points, and at the World Juniors, he compiled 18 points in seven games played. Perreault played for the past two seasons with new Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse, who assuredly advocated for the winger at New York’s draft table.  

Perreault is billed as a highly skilled player with terrific vision, a great hockey IQ, and a high ceiling. He is a lefty shot who plays on the right side, but has experience playing both wings. Listed at 5-11 and 165 pounds, the playmaking wing will need some time to add strength. He will also need to put in some work with his skating, as it is considered to be a bit of a weakness in his game. The American will suit up with the NCAA’s Boston College Eagles during the 2023-24 season.

Round Three, 90th – Drew Fortescue, D

The Rangers traded up one spot to select Fortescue, giving up a 2023 7^th round pick in the process. The 18-year-old, listed at 6-2 and 176 pounds, is seen as a sturdy, reliable defenseman, known for good breakout passes and the ability to exit his own zone effectively. The American will join Perreault with the Eagles this Fall and, like Perreault, is a former USNTP player who also played under new NYR assistant Muse. A local from Pearl River, New York, Fortescue, a former Islanders fan, exclaimed that he was thrilled to be selected by his hometown team, albeit their chief rival, the Rangers. The left-shot defenseman will likely be in need of two-to-three seasons at the collegiate level before attempting to turn pro.

Round Five, 152nd – Rasmus Larsson, D

The Rangers drafted Larsson using the draft choice that they received from the Edmonton Oilers this summer for the signing rights for former prospect Jayden Grubbe, who was then signed to an entry-level contract by the Oilers. He is listed at 6-3 and 201 pounds, and has competed for Sweden at both the U19 and U20 levels, along with playing for Vasteras IK of the J20 Nationell league since turning 19, and prior to that, with Vasteras’ J18 team.  The Swede is committed to Northern Michigan of the NCAA starting in the Fall of 2024.  At the moment, his team for 2023-24 is unlisted.

Round Six, 178th – Dylan Roobroeck, C

Roobroeck was selected with the pick that New York received from the Winnipeg Jets last March in the Andrew Copp trade. The big Canadian, listed at 6-7 and 205 pounds, played last season with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, and will stay there for the 2023-24 campaign, as well. In 68 games played last year, Roobroeck tallied 15 goals and 38 assists for 53 points. A playmaking center, despite his large frame, the lefty will need to work on his skating and physicality over the next couple of seasons before attempting to work himself into the Rangers’ plans.

Round Six, 183rd – Ty Henricks, LW

Henricks is a towering forward at 6-5 and 205 pounds.  Although he already boasts an NHL frame, he is a project pick who will need plenty of development time before considering turning pro. Although a hard- working, physical player, who has shown good stick work and anticipation, the big lefty’s skating is viewed as a weakness. This can be said about many players boasting Henricks’ size at a young age, and Henricks is no different. The American finished last season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, scoring 10 points in 19 games played. 

Off-Season Moves

Re-signed:

K’Andre Miller, D

Ty Emberson, D (minors)

Incoming/ Probable 2023-24 role: 

Head Coach Peter Laviolette

Blake Wheeler- RW- Top 6, NYR

Tyler Pitlick- RW- 4^th line, NYR

Nick Bonino- C- 4^th line, NYR

Alex Belzile (RW/C)- AHL Hartford/ depth

Riley Nash (RW/C)- Hartford

Erik Gustafsson (D)- 6^th/7^th D, NYR

Connor Mackey (D)- Hartford

Mac Hollowell (D)- Hartford

Nikolas Brouillard (D)- Hartford

Jonathan Quick (G)- Backup Goalie, NYR

Outgoing: 

Head Coach Gerard Gallant

Patrick Kane (UFA)

Vladimir Tarasenko (UFA)

Tyler Motte (UFA)

Niko Mikkola (Signed with Florida)

Jaroslav Halak (UFA)

Lauri Pajuniemi (minors) signed with SHL Malmo- club extended a qualifying offer & retains his signing rights.

Libor Hajek (Minors- did not receive qualifying offer)

Patrick Khodorenko (Minors- did not receive qualifying offer)

Cooper Zech (Minors- did not receive qualifying offer)

Pending RFA (both given qualifying offers):

Alexis Lafreniere, LW

Brandon Scanlin, D (minors)

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Thanks for reading!