With CHL training camps set to open later this month, the New York Rangers will turn their attention to a 16-player prospect pool for the 2025–26 season. Ten prospects will skate in North America, while six hone their game in Europe.
Breakdown by Position and Region
- Defensemen (8 total):
- Six in North America (four in NCAA, two in CHL)
- Two overseas
- Forwards (8 total):
- Five in North America (three LW, one C/LW, one RW)
- Three in Europe (one per position)
Scoring Leaders in Focus Malcolm Spence returns as the top scorer after posting a 32–41–73 stat line with Erie. He’s headed to the University of Michigan, meaning his output may dip under NCAA constraints.
Nathan Aspinall, last season’s top prospect scorer (17–30–47), stays in Flint with the Firebirds. Due to revised draft eligibility rules, the Rangers now have three years to lock him into an entry-level contract. If Aspinall stumbles, the organization may steer him toward college hockey to preserve a contract slot and extend his development window.
Key Moves and Contract Implications Raoul Boilard looks to rebound following a trade from Baie-Comeau to Shawinigan. After a drop in production last year, the center has a shot to anchor the Cataractes’ top line, especially after their QMJHL semifinal exit. While his scoring numbers lagged, his faceoff stats remain respectable.
Brody Lamb enters his contract year with Minnesota under a microscope. The senior forward has the tools to be a legitimate goal scorer but has yet to string together a consistent campaign, raising concerns about his readiness.
Breakout Candidates to Watch Two names jump off the page:
- Ty Henricks (Western Michigan): The sophomore winger, who clinched last year’s Frozen Four title with the championship goal, won’t be buried on the fourth line this year. At 6’5″, 205 pounds, Henricks profiles as an NHL-caliber power forward. After tallying eight goals as a freshman, a 16-goal season is within reach.
- Artyom Gonchar (Sudbury Wolves): The Russian defenseman makes his leap to the OHL after leaving the MHL. Sudbury previously developed Marc Staal—Gonchar could be next in line with NHL upside.
Pipeline Gap One glaring omission: the Rangers failed to draft a goaltending prospect. In today’s NHL, where quality netminders are a rare commodity, keeping a goalie in the system isn’t just prudent—it’s essential.
