Previously on my blog, I have covered the New York Rangers top-4 prospects at left-wing and center. Today, I will cover the organizations top-4 prospects at right-wing.
1.Christian Thomas: This is an obvious no-brainer, as Christian Thomas, 19, continues to climb the charts as one of the teams top prospects. Thomas is becoming a natural goal-scorer, as he became a consistent contributor for the OHL's Oshawa Generals last season. The speedy winger led his team in all offensive category's last season, scoring 54 goals and 45 assists for an impressive 99 point total. In 10 playoff games he recorded 19 points--10 goals and nine assists. Several draft experts believe that Thomas only dropped out of the first-round of the 2010 draft because of his diminutive stature. Although Thomas skates at only 5-foot-9, 170-pounds, he is a dynamic forward with an extremely bright future. Thomas's father, and former NHLer, Steve Thomas has acknowledged that Christian is a far better offensive player than he was. Steve Thomas was a two-time 40 goal scorer, and he recorded at least 30 goals four times in his NHL career. Christian has the potential to do the same at the NHL level, and he could be an important part to the Rangers' future.
2.Dale Weise: Dale Wiese, 23, has been one of the Rangers' top prospects since his draft year in 2008. Weise has yet to crack the team's opening night roster out of training camp--and he's had three attempts--but this year it might be different. The rugged forward spent 10 games with the Rangers last season, and though he failed to register a point, he collected 19 penalty minutes prior to his AHL return. With the Connecticut Whale, Weise scored 18 goals and 20 assists in 47 games played. In five playoff games, Weise recorded two goals and an assist. In September, Weise will have to prove that he is NHL worthy to the Rangers coaching staff, or else he may face a similar fate to that of Dane Byer's--a trade. According to cap-geek, Weise must pass through waivers if he is cut by the Rangers, which may also result in a team change. Weise has the qualities of a power-forward, as the winger can contribute through scoring and he is known for taking penalties and fighting. If Weise does make the club out of training camp, expect him to play third- and fourth-line minutes, and possible spend some time killing penalties.
3.Jesper Fasth: This Swedish-winger has made himself a bright prospect within the Rangers' organization through his international performances, and his impressive play in the Swedish Elite League. Fasth, 19, scored four goals and two assists in six games with Team Sweden during the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship's, which gave Rangers' scouts another thing to brag about. Fasth scored seven goals and nine assists in 36 games with team HV71 Jonkoping last season, but he failed to record a point in three playoff games with them. Fasth is a smooth-skating forward, and he has a very good shot. He is smart around the net, and he is projected to be a second- or third-line forward. Fasth opted to spend one more season in Sweden, and he is expected to sign with the Rangers next year. Whether or not he will make an impact at the NHL level has yet to be seen, but his impressive play excites the Rangers front office.
4.Shane McColgan: Selected 134th overall (5th round) by the Rangers in this year's draft, Shane McColgan has already been labeled a draft steal by multiple experts. McColgan, 18, has impressive speed and he contributes with some consistency. This past season, McColgan scored 21 goals and 66 points in 67 games with the WHL's Kelowna Rockets. During the playoffs, McColgan recorded 19 points in only 10 games for Kelowna, which helped his cause come draft time. McColgan skates at 5-foot-11, 174-pounds, but he doesn't allow his stature to affect his game. McColgan enjoys the physical game, and he isn't afraid to throw a hit or start a fight. The high-scoring winger fought on several occasions last season, usually to stick up for a teammate who had been checked seconds before. McColgan impressed the Rangers coaching staff during this year's prospect camp, as he scored goals and finished his checks. According to reports, he also ignited a small scrum which resulted in him and rugged defenseman Dylan McIlrath dropping the gloves. Most WHL experts believe that McColgan could be on the verge of a breakout season in 2011-12, which would certainly help his case with the Rangers, and improve his status within the prospect pool. Scouts have projected McColgan as a second-line scorer, who can play the role of a power-forward. McColgan has a lot to prove, but he may turn out to be a great draft steal for the Rangers in the future.
Twitter: NickPerriNYR
Email: nickpnyrwriter@gmail.com
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