NY Rangers Prospect Preview: Top-2 goalie prospects

Goaltending is the final position that I have to cover on my New York Rangers prospect preview, and you can checkout all of my previous previews here, here, here, and here (in order that is defense, left-wing, right-wing, and centers).

1. Scott Stajcer: The Rangers' prospect pool does not consist of many goaltenders, but of the few, 20-year-old Scott Stajcer is the best. Stajcer was selected by the Rangers in the fifth-round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and he has played as a member of the Owen Sound Attack (OHL) for the last four seasons. Stajcer spent his first season with Owen Sound (2007-08, age 16) as the back-up goaltender, and he played in only six games. In his second season (08'-09', age 17) he split the season with goaltender Tyler Beskorowany, and his games played increased to 35. In his third season with the Attack', he finally became the starter. In 55 appearances, Stajcer finished with a record of 21-23-6, with a 3.67 GAA, and a .897 SVPC. Stajcer was supposed to be Owen Sound's starting netminder last season, but injuries forced him to miss the majority of the season, and he finished with only 14 games played. He recorded 10 wins and only three losses, with a 2.91 GAA and a .901 SVPC. His impressive playoff performance, which ultimately led the Attack' to an OHL Championship and a Memorial Cup appearance, allowed the Rangers' to reward him with an entry-level contract. Though Stajcer likely won't become a franchise-goaltender for the Rangers, sometime down the line he can become a quality starting goaltender. Stajcer did not have a very impressive prospect camp at the end of June, but he will be attending the Rangers main camp and preseason, and at age 20 he is eligible to play in the AHL with the Connecticut Whale, or the ECHL with the Greeneville Road Warriors; which is the likely scenario. It will be interesting to see how Stajcer performs following four seasons of junior play.

2.Jason Missiaen: Not familiar with the name Jason Missiaen? You're probably not alone. Following his 2010-11 season with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL), Missiaen, 21, was signed to an entry-level contract by the Rangers, and immediately assigned to the Whale' where he practiced with a professional team, and become a back-up goaltender. Missiaen was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2008 draft by the Montreal Canadiens, and he spent four seasons goaltending for the Peterborough Pete's (OHL) before signing a one-year deal with Baie-Comeau for his overage season. His best junior season was his final year with Peterborough, in which Missiean posted a 27-29-3 record, with a 3.68 GAA and a .901 SVPC. Last season, Missiaen finished with a record of 10-33-8, a 3.33 GAA and a .893 SVPC. Missiaen's greatest strength is his size, as the 6-foot-8, 220-pound behemoth finds it easy to stop high-shots. Missiaen is expected to attend the Rangers main camp and preseason, but he will likely spend the season in the AHL or ECHL. The Rangers goaltending coach, Benoit Allaire, is a fan of Missiaen, and the two are expected to work together a lot during training camp. He is another prospect that I am personally interested in seeing play.

Twitter: @NickPerriNYR

Email: nickpnyrwriter@gmail.com

NOTE: I will be on vacation for a week beginning on Saturday, but I will attempt to have one or two posts up mid-week. Send in any email questions that you might have about the Rangers, Whale, NHL prospects, etc., and I will answer them in a mailbag piece when I return from "The Shore".

NY Rangers News: Rangers sign forward Andre Deveaux

The New York Rangers have announced the signing of 27-year-old forward, Andre Deveaux to a two-way contract.

Deveaux spent the 2010-11 season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. In 73 games he scored 23 goals and 23 assists, along with 194-penalty minutes. He has previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate team, the Marlies. He also spent time with the AHL's Springfield Falcons and the ECHL's Johnstown Chiefs.

In 22 NHL games, Deveaux has recorded one assist and 75-penalty minutes. He was originally a sixth-round selection of the Montreal Canadiens in 2002.

NY Rangers Prospect Preview: Top-6 defensemen

So far I have covered left-wingers, right-wingers and centers during my New York Rangers prospect preview, and today I will finish my preview of their prospect skaters with a list of their top-6 prospects on the blueline.

Note: Ryan McDonagh, 22, and Michael Del Zotto, 21, will not be included, but they are two of the organizations top young talent on defense.

1.Tim Erixon: Acquiring Tim Erixon, 20, was equivalent to having a second first-round pick in this year's draft for the Rangers'. In order to acquire Erixon's rights from the Calgary Flames, the Rangers packaged two 2011 second-round picks and forward prospect Roman Horak. The Rangers received a 2011 fifth-round pick along with Erixon in the deal, which they eventually used to select another winger in Shane McColgan. The Rangers then signed Erixon to an entry-level deal short after, bringing another young and talented blueliner into the organization. Erixon--originally a 2009 first-round pick (23rd overall)--has spent the past four year's playing in Sweden as part of team Skelleftea's organization. His 2010-11 season was his most productive season in Sweden, as Erixon recorded five goals and 19 assists in 48 games, along with 40 penalty minutes. Erixon registered for eight points and 12 penalty minutes in 18 playoff contests as well. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound, blueliner is known for his swift skating ability, and, like most defensemen who come from the Swedish Elite League, he is very smart with the puck and a great passer. He isn't projected to be a puck-moving defenseman, though he has the qualities to become one. Most experts believe Erixon will become a very good two-way defenseman, who can produce 25-30 points a season, while having the ability to shut-down opposing team's top players. Most of the Rangers fanbase and reporters expect Erixon to make the Rangers' out of training camp this season, and play on the team's final defensive pairing with the aforementioned Del Zotto. But if Erixon does not make the cut, and begins his North American career in the AHL, he will learn the Rangers system with the Connecticut Whale and possibly contribute to the team as a mid-season call-up before becoming a regular.

2.Dylan McIlrath: The Rangers' decision to select Dylan McIlrath, 19, with the 10th overall pick in 2010 over defensemen Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley confused many draft experts, and it also angered most of the Rangers fanbase. But, after reviewing McIlrath's resume and highlight-reel (which includes mostly fights), he instantly became one of Ranger fans favorite prospects. McIlrath skates at 6-foot-5, 215-pounds, and he always uses his body strength to his advantage. The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native is nicknamed "The Truck" for his ability to crush opposing players, and he also carries the nickname, "The Undertaker" for his willingness to fight and his fighting skills. Last season, McIlrath played in 62 games with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warrior's, scoring five goals and 18 assists, while amassing 153-penalty minutes. In the playoffs, McIlrath failed to produce a point, but he took 15-penalty minutes in only six games. Following a first-round playoff exit with Moose Jaw, McIlrath was signed to an entry-level deal by the Rangers, followed by an Amateur Try-out contract with the Whale'. In two games with Connecticut, McIlrath took seven penalty-minutes and finished with a minus-1 rating. The big-bodied blueliner projects to be a talented shut-down defenseman, and the Rangers' organization hopes he will become the second Jeff Beukeboom. While McIlrath will battle for a spot on this year's defensive unit during training camp, it is more likely that he spends at least one more season in the WHL to develop.

3.Pavel Valentenko: Here is another talented young defenseman that the Rangers acquired through trade, as Pavel Valentenko, 23, was part of a return package in the famous "Scott Gomez" trade. Valentenko, dubbed "V-Tank", spent the 2010-11 season playing for the Whale', recording five goals and 12 assists in 79 games. Valentenko took 38-penalty minutes and he finished with a remarkable plus-21 rating. He is known for having a very hard slap-shot which has been nicknamed, "The Cannon", and last season he was Connecticut's version of Dan Girardi, as he loves to block shots. Valentenko projects to be a two-way defenseman, who can definitely be a fit on any team's power-play. "V-Tank" will compete for a spot on the Rangers' roster this year, and if he has a similar training camp performance to that of last season then there is a very good chance that he makes the team.

4.Stu Bickel: This is probably the strangest selection on my list, but Stu Bickel, 24, is one of the organization's top young blueliner's, and he will be another competitor during training camp. Bickel skates at 6-foot-4, 218-pounds, and his physical play is certainly his trademark. Bickel was acquired in December by the Rangers, and he made a name for himself as one of Connecticut's top defensemen. In 54 games with the Whale', Bickel scored two goals and seven assists, along with 135-penalty minutes. He finished the season with a minus-2 rating. During the playoffs, Bickel posted one assist and six penalty-minutes in six games. Bickel is definitely an underdog, but he will compete for a spot on the Rangers' defensive unit during training camp.

5.Mikhail Pashnin: Although Mikhail Pashnin, 22, blew off the Rangers for a two-year contract in the KHL with team CSKA Moscow, he still remains one of the organization top defensive prospects. Read more about Pashnin and his decision to stick with the KHL here.

6.Tomas Kundratek: Finishing the list as the Rangers sixth best defensive prospect is Tomas Kundratek, 21. Kundratek was the Rangers third-round pick in 2008, and played two seasons with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers prior to joining the Whale last season. During his time with the Tigers', Kundratek proved to be a strong puck-moving defenseman with great ice-vision and passing skills. In 70 games with Connecticut last season, Kundratek scored two goals and 10 assists, along with 42-penalty minutes and an even rating. In the playoffs he registered for two assists in six games, along with two penalty-minutes. Kundratek could compete for a spot on the Rangers' this season, but it is more likely that he spends the year in the AHL as a possible mid-season call-up.

Twitter: @NickPerriNYR

Email: nickpnyrwriter@gmail.com

NY Rangers Prospect Preview: Top-4 right-wingers

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

NY Rangers Prospects: Top-4 Center Men

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

NY Rangers News: Rangers sign Brendan Bell

The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Brendan Bell to a two-way contract.

Bell, 28, spent the 2010-11 season playing for Biel of the Swiss-A league. He scored two goals and nine assists, along with 14-penalty minutes in 29 games. He finished the year a plus-2 rating. He has spent NHL time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Phoenix Coyotes.

This is an interesting pick-up by the Rangers', but I expect that he will spend most, if not all, of this coming season in the AHL as an extra depth player.

NY Rangers Prospects: Top-4 left-wingers

Over the next couple of weeks leading up to the Traverse City Tournament and the New York Rangers training camp, I will be previewing the teams top-4 prospects from each position; starting today with left-wingers.

The Rangers own one of the deepest and most talented pool of prospects, having made some very strong draft selections post-lockout. The organization has become younger, and the Rangers commitment to a youth-movement has resulted in players such as Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi becoming center pieces of the club.

Despite receiving trade proposals for talented forwards and defensemen, the Rangers have stuck to their guns by deciding against making a trade that would impact their future and their prospect group. GM Glen Sather claims that the Rangers has been offered top-tier players such as Mike Ribero and Dany Heatley, but with players such as Dubinsky and Callahan involved in the deal, the club has rejected the possible transactions.

The Rangers have moved on from their past ignorance and neglect towards younger players and draft picks, and experts believe that their recent wise-decisions to stick with their prospects will pay dividends in the near future; and possibly land them a Stanley Cup visit very soon.

I have chosen to kick-off my Rangers' prospect preview with left-wingers. So, without further adieu...

1. Chris Kreider: Considered to be the top prospect in the whole Rangers organization, Chris Kreider, 20, has Blueshirt fans buzzing with excitement at getting a chance to see him play. Unfortunately, the 19th overall pick in 2009 will spend another year in Boston playing for Boston College before turning pro. This past year, Kreider scored eleven goals and thirteen assists in 32 games for BC, and he took 37-penalty minutes. Kreider's speed and offensive talent is what most excites the Rangers organization and fanbase, and most believe that he may become the team's first-line left-winger when he becomes a Ranger. Kreider's decision to remain in Boston for another year was not very popular, but his decision to take a massive amount of summer classes to push his education along proves that he plans on signing with the club next summer. While the Rangers front office insists that Kreider is ready to make the jump to the NHL, the 20-year-old believes that one more year in College will be best for him and his hockey future.

2. Carl Hagelin: Selected at pick 168 overall (round six) in the 2007 draft, not much was expected to come from this Swedish forward. But following two impressive campaigns at the University of Michigan, Carl Hagelin, 22, became an instant hit within the Rangers prospect pool. In the 2009-10 season, Hagelin reached the 50 point mark for Michigan, tallying 19 goals and 31 assists in only 45 games. Last season, Hagelin nearly reached the mark again, recording 49 points in only 44 games. Hagelin was signed by the Rangers in April, and played in five playoff games with the clubs' AHL affiliate Connecticut Whale. The winger contributed with one goal and one assist in the five games, but the Whale were eliminated in the first-round. Hagelin is a talented two-way player, with great ice-vision and playmaking skills. Hagelin will attend the Rangers 2011 training camp in hopes of making the team's opening night roster. Through re-signing Ruslan Fedotenko, the Rangers have the ability to watch Hagelin play a whole season with the Whale, and analyze what type of player he will be at the pro level. Some believe that he could be a strong compliment to 21-year-old center Derek Stepan on the Rangers' second- or third-line in the future, and this seems to be a strong possibility.

3. Mats Zuccarello: Although the 23-year-old winger played in 42 games with the Rangers' last season, Mats Zuccarello is still considered one of the organization's top prospects. The Rangers' won the Zuccarello sweepstakes last summer, as the Norwegian forward was said to receive interest from over 20 NHL clubs. Zuccarello impressed NHL GM's during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and his successful season in the SEL also sparked some excitement. In 2009-10, Zuccarello recorded 64 points in 55 games with Team MODO of the Swedish Elite League; earning him the league's MVP award. The 5-foot-7, 174-pound, forward began his North American career in the AHL with the Wolf Pack/Whale. In 39 games with Connecticut, he totaled 13 goals and 16 assists. Zuccarello played his first NHL game on December 23, 2010, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and although the team lost the game in a shoot-out, the Rangers coaching staff got a small taste of what the diminutive forward has to offer. During his time with the Rangers last season, Zuccarello was a key shoot-out scorer, winning three games for the team. In 42 games, he recorded six goals and 17 assists for 23 points. He played in one playoff game with the Rangers before returning to the Whale, where he played in two playoff games prior to breaking his hand. The speedy winger has good ice-vision and he is a great playmaker. He will have the opportunity to make the Rangers out of training camp this September, and after taking off-season skating lessons with Barbara Underhill--the same instructor who helped Brian Boyle become a stronger skater and a 20-goal scorer--making the Rangers' is a strong possibility.

4. Jason Wilson: Finishing off the list of the Rangers' top-4 prospect left-wingers, is rugged power-forward, Jason Wilson. Wilson, 21, was selected by the Rangers in round-five of the 2010 draft. He spent last season with the OHL's Niagara IceDogs, and his 2010-11 Junior campaign turned out to be his best. Wilson began his OHL career with the London Knight's in 2008-09, and was traded to the Owen Sound Attack prior to the 2009-10 season. Wilson was traded once again prior to the 2010-11 season, this time to the IceDogs. Known for his size and skill, Wilson is projected as a third- or fourth-line power-forward, who can score the dirty goal's, and fight if he needs too. Last season, Wilson scored 18 goals and 43 points in 64 games, along with 94-penalty minutes. In the playoffs, Wilson recorded 12 points in only 14 games, and he amassed 19-penalty minutes. His impressive play and improvement in scoring numbers resulted in an entry-level contract with the Rangers organization. Wilson is old enough to spend next season with the Whale, which is a very likely scenario. Wilson could serve as a mid-season recall next season, and the Rangers are interested in seeing how he will perform at the professional level.

Twitter: @NickPerriNYR

Email: nickpnyrwriter@gmail.com

NOTE: In order for a player to be considered a prospect, in my opinion, he must play no more than 50 NHL games. This will be important for future reference.