Welcome to the final rounds of the New York Rangers 2025 NHL Draft projections. In this edition we are going to talk about the two Rangers picks in the sixth round (#166 and #171) and their final pick in the seventh round (#203).
Since the sixth round picks are so close to each other, those offered here are good to be selected by the Rangers at either spot. At this point in the draft the Rangers are looking at smallish players or Europeans. Going to lean towards the Europeans because Rangers history has shown the Rangers have done well with European sixth-round picks (Marek Zidlicky, Carl Hagelin, Jesper Fast).
Viktor Pennerborn (Västerås IK J20- J20-Nationell) Defense– This righthanded defender is not a giant but is viewed as a good two-way defender who brings leadership qualities and a strong work ethic. Strong skater who can carry the puck out of his defensive zone. He needs to improve his first step as he takes forever to get going skating wise. At this point in the draft, he is worth the risk.
Semyon Frolov (MHK Spartak Moskva-MHL) Goalie- A Russian Rangers fan sold me on him when he told me who his coach was. Alexander Barkov as in the father of Florida’s Aleksander Barkov. Russians are hard to get a good read on due to being banned from international competition, but a 9-2-2 record works. Good: super quick on his feet, very good under pressure, and reads the ice well with good lateral movement. Not-so-good: needs to play more to aid development, plays scared when it comes to puck handling, can be pressured into mistakes.
Matous Kucharcik (HC Slavia Praha -Czechia2) Center– This is a prospect with a solid upside but there are times when he defers way too much to his teammates in the offensive zone. Has the skill set to be a playmaker and when he wants to can be a solid shutdown player. Good: Playmaker, size, shot selection, defensive skills. Not-so-good: consistency, needs to put 30 lbs. to his frame, is so laid back that some question his desire.
Matúš Lisý (HK Nitra- Slovakia) Defense- This one I stumbled across from someone I follow on twitter who is super reliable @SlovakJrHockey who said “is a well-rounded offensively-minded defensively-responsible LHD with good movement and hockey IQ. Confident and calm on the puck, plays on both PKs and PPs.” When you watch his twitter clip you will see why I included him.
The Rangers in the seventh come in at #203 so here it is honestly close your eyes and toss a dart time.
Elijah Neuenschwander (HC Fribourg-Gottéron- Swiss NL) Goalie- Here is a player who had two different seasons, at home in the Swiss 2nd division league he had a solid season. But at the World Under-20 championships, he struggled which is why he will drop to this round or lower. Good: His 6’4″ size, patient doesn’t flop like a seal on the ice, consistency. Not-so-good: Rebound control, definite project player who needs time to develop.
Joe Wahlund (Färjestad BK J20-J20 Nationell)- Defense- Good stay at home defender who would go higher if he did not come across as scared to play offense. He has shown all the signs of being skilled offensively but backs off too much. Defensively he has a great first step and can close down on the other guy. Good: Defensive whiz, penalty killer, skating, Not-so-good: his offense and wondering how he would do against better competition.
Ondrej Stebetak (Portland Winterhawks- WHL) Goalie- not going to lie, this is selfish pick rooting for a hometown favorite. Just 17 but became the Winterhawks starting goalie. Reminds of Dylan Garand with his team first attitude. Plays like Juuse Saros because he constantly faced a high number of shots (39+ shots in 14 games) Very athletic but what says the most was beating Prince George and Everett to advance the Hawks to the WHL Western Conference finals when ran out of gas. Deserves to be ranked much higher than he was. Someone is going to draft him and get a starting goalie.
If I were Chris Drury, this is who I pick:
43- (second) Carter Amico (Boston University Hockey East)-Defense
70-(third) Charlie Trethewey (Boston University Hockey East)-Defense
89-(third) Oscar Davidsson (HV71 SHL) Center/Left Wing
111-(fourth) Jimmy Lombardi (Flint OHL) Center
139-(fifth) Teddy Mutryn (Chicago USHL) Center
166-(sixth) Viktor Pennerborn (Västerås IK J20- J20-Nationell) Defense
171-(sixth) Matúš Lisý (HK Nitra- Slovakia) Defense
203-(seventh) Ondrej Stebetak (Portland Winterhawks- WHL) Goalie
