Round 1Pick 10: Dylan McIlrath, Defenseman, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) “Big Mag Truck” McIlrath plays a lot like his nickname would indicate. The 6’4” 212 lbs young fellow throws his body around to intimidate smaller players, not afraid to be sent to the box. Sometimes his tough guy mentality gets the best of him, drawing 19 fighting majors during his first 2 seasons of WHL competition, on his way to over 270 penalty minutes. While he is certainly raw and could use some discipline, McIlrath will help the provide big hits and toughness the Rangers squad has been lacking in recent seasons.Round 2Pick 10: Christian Thomas, Right Wing, Oshawa Generals (OHL) Quite simply, Thomas is a scorer. A year after managing only 8 goals, Thomas posted an impressive 41 scores last season for the Gennies, including a franchise record 4 short-handed goals, while netting 44 in shootouts.Round 4Pick 10: Andrew Yogan, Left Wing/Center, Erie Otters (OHL) Coming off an injury shortened season in which he scored 55 points in only 63 games, Yogan’s broken foot may be a blessing for the Rangers who were able to added a talented young player later than he might have otherwise been selected. (more…)

The New York Rangers made their biggest off-season splash this year to date signing Left Wing Alexander Frolov to a 1-year deal estimated at 3 million. The cap conscious figure is truly a testament to the city of New York, a long time desired destination for Frolov, who left a reported 20 million on the table in an offer to return to his native country of Russia and star in its top level league, the KHL. Playing with LA his entire 7-year NHL career, Frolov felt it was time for a change, opting to head east for the chance to live in New York, his alleged favorite city. Perhaps a future in Russia is not entirely out of the question, however, as Frolov was signed to just a 1-year deal, with reports of longer offers out there. It seems at least for the time being the 28-year old winger wants to keep his options open, but for now he is ready to continue his career in the NHL with the Rangers.How the Rangers will use Frolov remains to be seen, though one would certainly think he will see his fair share of ice time. To maximize firepower, the Rangers may consider pairing Frolov on the same line as Right Wing Marian Gaborik, the club’s top scorer just a year ago. The Blueshirts currently feature only one other Russian on their roster, Center Artem Anisimov. It’s likely Frolov will see himself skating with Ansimov as well, as countrymen are often featured alongside each other in an effort to ease a new player’s transition and maximize natural playing styles. The combined line of Frolov, Gaborik and Ansimov would be the Rangers’ best. (more…)