Surprise, surprise New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury did something unexpected when he decided to give the Pittsburgh Penguins the 12th pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Now while there are people applauding the move, I am not.
For starters, the move means that Pittsburgh is going to have back-to-back picks in the first round jumpstarting their own rebuild. For the Rangers sure it means they keep the 2026 first round pick but there is no guarantee that the pick will be any better than this one.
So going back and revisiting the possible selections for the Rangers in the second round, now it becomes especially important for the Rangers to find defensive help at 43. Here are the players we liked and you can re-read the article if you want to see clips of these players:
Henry Brzustewicz (London OHL) 10-32-42. Forget the stats, just know that Brzustewicz plays for Dale Hunter at London which means he plays solid defense, or he does not play. The younger brother of Calgary Flames defender Hunter Brzustewicz, if he is like his brother then the Rangers would be getting better than average defender.
Carter Amico (Boston University Hockey East) Forget his numbers as Amico’s season was hurt by a knee injury otherwise he might have been a first round pick. At 18, Amico is 6’5 225 pounds and stronger than an ox. Even better is he having the same kind of mean streak that 2024 first round pick E.J. Emery has. Skates well for a player his size and going to play at Boston University will speed up his development.
Julius Saari Jokerit (Mestis)- The Rangers have a thing for players from Finland so why not draft a defenseman. In this case because Saari checks all the boxes for a defensive minded defenseman. Not much on offense but you will not see him making mistakes on defense. Smart fundamentally.
Moving into the third rounds becomes a matter of best available player as the Rangers will have two picks in this round with the first coming at 70. Ironically, the best available North American players are defensemen at this spot.
Charlie Trethewey (Boston University Hockey East)-when you get to the third round, the players all come with some sort of wart to their game. In the case of Trethewey, it is a lack of offensive consistency that will see him fall to the third round. Defensively there is plenty to like starting with a physical game, adding in an exceptionally good hockey IQ and awareness in his own zone, and finish with being a good skater.
Sean Barnhill (Northeastern Hockey East)- Another prospect heading to the Hockey East, Barnhill will get the Rangers attention because of his 6’4 214 lbs. size. Like Trethewey, his offensive game lacks consistency but is a better passer. It is his physical defensive game that makes us want him as he has been a solid backchecking defender who is strong on the penalty kill. His skill at reading the ice makes him excellent at breaking up the rush.
Matthew Grimes (Minnesota Big Ten)- Not the biggest defender but the better two-way one. Those who like him love how hard he works at both ends of the ice. Needs to add some muscle to his body but that will come in time. Has a particularly good shot selection which makes him the guy you want on the power play. First prospect from Long Island to sign with Minnesota and he is a diehard Rangers fan.
The second pick the Rangers have in the third round will be at 89 and here is where you start to see project players.
Cooper Simpson (North Dakota NCHC) Left Wing- if there was a player that you hoped dropped into your lap, Simpson is it. This is a bit of a project but as a sniper well worth the risk. If he were smart, he would spend another year in the USHL or even the WHL. This is a goal scoring machine, but he is not good at playmaking or can create his own offense.
Ryan Miller (Portland Winterhawks WHL) Left Wing– an admitted bias as this is a hometown favorite even if he is just 5’11. Miller is a solid player who brings speed, puck control, and passing skills to his overall attack. He is going to play another year in the WHL then head to Denver (NCAA) which will help polish his overall game.
Oscar Davidsson (HV71 SHL) Center/Left Wing– a longtime friend (told me about Carl Hagelin) told me about this two-way player who he said was second or third line material. Great puck skills and an even better hockey IQ. Compares him to Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild. Plays a dedicated 200-foot game.
