If you missed it, yesterday I previewed the New York Rangers top-4 prospects at the left-wing position. Today, I will be previewing the organizations top-4 prospects at the center position.
*1. J.T Miller: First, please note the star I was asked yesterday why I had not included J.T Miller in my left-wing preview, and the answer is: although Miller did spend most of last season playing left-wing for the U.S National Developmental program, he can also play center and right-wing. The Rangers' main website also lists him as a center.
When the Rangers' drafted Miller 15th overall in this year's draft, they selected an extremely versatile player as Miller is capable of playing all three forward positions, and his playing style has helped him to adopt to any situation. Miller's hockey sense was a key component for him entering the draft, as that is one of his major strengths and it is also something that all teams take into account when making their selections. For the Rangers, it is of most importance that their draft prospect has a strong hockey sense, and is able to play in many different situations. Miller grew up as a scorer, his idol being Alexei Kovalev, but that changed when body checking became part of his game. Most experts believe that Miller will become a talented power-forward who can play on any of the top three lines. Others expect Miller will become a fine two-way player, who can kill penalties and score some goals. Last season, Miller totaled 15 goals and 35 assists in 56 games. He also amassed 86-penalty minutes. Miller has made the decision to play in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers this season, which the Rangers are reportedly happy about. Plymouth is a strong organization who, in total, will have three players selected in the first-round of this year's draft playing on their team. Miller also signed an entry-level contract with the Rangers, and he is expected to attend the main training camp and possibly fight for a spot. Miller is eligible to play in the AHL with the Connecticut Whale, but the Rangers will most likely send him to Plymouth if he does not make the main roster out of camp.
2. Andrew Yogan: Some may disagree with my decision to place Andrew Yogan at No.2, but this 6-foot-2, 202-pound, pivot is an extremely talented scorer, and the 19-year-old may have himslef a breakout year with the Peterborough Pete's this coming season. Last week, Yogan was dealt to the Pete's from the Erie Otters for a few draft picks, and Peterborough hopes that he will add some scoring to their team. Yogan will have an opportunity to play under Mike Pelino, who was once the Rangers' assistant coach. He will also have a chance to play with first-round picks Matt Puempel (2011) and Austin Watson (2010). Yogan is a strong centerman, who can work his way to the net for a dirty goal, or he can stun goaltenders with his above average wrist-shot. Last season, Yogan recorded three goals and one assists in just 10 games played, and he had two assists in three playoff games with the Otters. He played an additional two games with the Rangers' AHL affiliate team, the Whale, scoring two goals and one assist. In 2009-10, Yogan potted 25 goals and 30 assists in 63 games, and he amassed 97-penalty minutes. Most experts believe that Yogan's game will translate into a third-line center who can score goals, win face-off's, and kill penalties. He has yet to sign an ELC with the Rangers, but if he can stay healthy and give Peterborough a strong performance this season, then he will likely become part of the organization.
3. Oscar Lindberg: When the Rangers traded one of their better prospects, Ethan Werek, to the Phoenix Coyotes, in return they acquired Swedish-center Oscar Lindberg. The Coyotes drafted Lindberg in the second-round of the 2010 draft (57th overall) and some were shocked that he hadn't been selected earlier. Lindberg, 19, skates at 6-foot, 185-pounds, and he plays for Skelleftea HC of the Swedish Elite League. Lindberg is a powerful forward, who can deliver hard hits and he can score some unique and timely goals. Last season, he scored five goals and nine assists in 41 games with Skelleftea, and he added 31-penalty minutes. The Rangers scouts expect Lindberg to have a breakout year this season, as his playoff performance with Skelleftea indicates growth in his development. He scored three goals and four assists in 18 playoff games ranking fifth best on the team. Lindberg is interested in signing with the Rangers, according to his agent, but he would like to remain in Sweden for at least one more season. Once he signs with the Rangers, he will likely spend a year or two with the Whale. The Rangers' hope that he can develop into a power-center and possibly play on the second- or third-line.
4. Michael St.Croix: Most draft experts were shocked when Michael St.Croix's name wasn't called until round-4 of the 2011 draft, which leads most to suspect that the Rangers' may have a draft steal. St.Croix, 18, is a very talented scorer, with great speed and hockey sense. Last season, St.Croix centered the Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) top-line, and he recorded an outstanding 75 points in 68 games (27 goals and 48 assists). St.Croix is a small forward, skating at 5-foot-11, 179-pounds, but his scoring talent makes up for his size. St.Croix also recorded 46 points in 66 games during the 2009-10 season. His game will likely translate into a second- or third-line scoring center, and if he develops into the type of player that the Rangers' expect him to be, then he will turn out a major draft steal. If St.Croix can have another breakout performance this season, then he will likely be signed to an entry-level deal. I wouldn't be surprised to see him sign an Amateur Tryout Contract with the Whale when his season with the Oil Kings finishes.
Twitter: @NickPerriNYR
Email: nickpnyrwriter@gmail.com
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