Rangers Prove That Sometimes A Low Draft Pick Is The Best

Not to worry. So what if the Rangers are slotted to pick 30 out of the first 32 Draft picks.

Experience tells us that the last two TREMENDOUS selections were so far down the pike that you needed a telescope to find them. Still, they did and the two have been outstanding; one then and the other now.

First, of the outstanding catches was King Henrik Lundqvist, who was so far down the list he could have been mistaken for a Swedish Prince when he was plucked. If Henrik isn't a future Hall of Famer then Niagara Falls will run uphill.

More recently Igor Shesterkin was chosen 118th overall in the 2014 draft. After 213 games played he has 135 wins and a .921 save percentage.

And we all know where the Blueshirts would be without him. Somewhere in Nowheresville.

As for the aspirants who might be selected by the Rangers with their 30th pick, try these four on for size:

1. COLE BEAUDOIN: He's a 6-2, 206 pound center who starred for Barrie in the Ontario Hockey League. The Hockey News Draft Preview slots him in the 32d spot which means that Chris Drury just might go for him. "He's not a pretty skater," says one scout, "but his hockey sense and two-way game are off the charts. He'll be a winger in the NHL."

2. MAREK VANACKER: At 6-1 and 170 pounds, the former Brantford (OHL) left wing is placed by THN Draft Guide at 31st position. That means that the Rangers still will have a fighting chance to land him. One scout offers this X-Ray: "He quietly put up significant numbers. Marek has deceptive speed, a good shot and deceptive release. Plus, he plays pretty well away from the puck".

3. CHARLIE ELICK: The Rangers could use an aspiring NHLer on defense and this Calgary native could be the one. He's rated 33rd by THN which means that he's likely going to be available for Drury & Company. "He has the size and tools to make an impact," says one scout. "but he still has to figure out what kind of player he wants to be." Charlie is 6-3, 199 pounds. "He's a good skater," adds another scout. "In a couple of years he's going to be a power-based defenseman."

Of the trio, The Maven most likes Elick who skated for Brandon in the WHL!