Rangers trade up in 4th round of 2024 NHL Draft, select Raoul Boilard

LAS VEGAS — The New York Rangers made a trade Saturday at the 2024 NHL Draft, but it didn’t involve Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko nor any other player within their organization.

The Rangers moved up in the fourth round of the draft, acquiring the No. 119 overall pick from the Nashville Predators in exchange for their own fourth rounder (No. 127) and a seventh-round selection in the 2026 draft.

With that pick at No. 119, the Rangers selected center Raoul Boilard, a two-way center from the QMJHL. The 18-year-old left shot scored 22 goals and finished with 62 points in 68 games with Baie-Comeau this past season, leading QMJHL rookies in scoring.

“It means a lot (that the Rangers traded up to make this pick),” Boilard said. “That means they like me, so that’s good. A good organization that likes me, it’s a good sign.”

New York’s director of player personnel and amateur scouting John Lilley said once the draft was over that there’s good reason why the Rangers moved up to grab Boilard.

“He has skill, had a good season his first year in then Quebec League. Just a smart two-way forward that’s a natural centerman, had a good season, just under a point a game … just someone we really valued,” Lilley explained. “

Boilard agreed with scouting reports that peg him as a two-way center, but he spoke most about his offensive game Saturday.

“I’m an offensive center, I’ve got some offensive tools. I can make plays, good playmaker. Good on face-offs,” Boilard explained.

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Rangers add picks on Day 2 of 2024 NHL Draft after selecting EJ Emery in 1st round

Photo: Jim Cerny

When asked about what he knows about the Rangers, Boilard was quick to mention another former QMJHL star.

“It’s just such a great organization, I know a lot of people there, [Alexis] Lafreniere, for sure,” he said. “That’s a cool organization, a really good one, so really excited.”

Boilard was a talented competitive skier until the age of 14, when he transitioned to focus on hockey full time. His father, Michel Boilard, won the bronze medal in slalom at the 1979 Canada Winter Games.

The Rangers selected 6-foot-6 forward Nathan Aspinall from Flint of the OHL in the fifth round with the No. 159 pick in the draft and forward Rico Gredig from Switzerland with the No. 191 overall pick in the sixth round.

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