Rangers Prepare for NHL Draft with Multiple Picks

For the first time since their lottery win in 2020, the Rangers are set for multiple selections on Day 1 of the NHL Draft, which takes place this Friday.

With a total of 11 picks over the next two days, the Rangers recently interviewed over 70 players at the NHL Combine. This could lead to their largest draft class in more than two decades.

Last season, the Rangers struggled, finishing tied for third in the league’s lowest scoring percentage. Their fifth-place outcome in the draft lottery puts a significant emphasis on rejuvenating their prospect pool. It’s pretty crucial that their first pick can contribute next season.

Chase Reed is a player who has caught the attention of many franchises, including the Rangers. Some insiders have even compared his personality to that of Matthew Schaefer, last year’s Islanders’ first overall pick who won fans over with his charm both on and off the ice.

If Reed happens to be available at No. 5, the Rangers are expected to jump at the chance. Still, there’s no certainty that he won’t be taken before that.

Speculation suggests the Canucks might select Kaleb Malhotra at No. 3. However, having his father as the head coach could complicate matters. Most analysts still believe Malhotra will be gone within the top four selections.

If Malhotra is off the board, the Rangers are likely to consider three defensemen: Keaton Verhoef, Carson Karels, and Albert Smits. Scouts describe the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Smits as one of the most ready-to-go defensemen in the draft, making him appealing for the Rangers.

Verhoef was notably the youngest defenseman in college hockey last season, recently turning 18. His right-handed shot has garnered praise for both its presence and his calm confidence on the ice. As a freshman at the University of North Dakota, he was not only a top-four defenseman but also led his team in ice time.

“I was really impressed with his ability to compete physically,” said UND head coach Dane Jackson. “He also showed a knack for understanding the game and adapting his play to move the puck more efficiently than he did in junior hockey.”

Karels joined UND for the 2026-27 season after a successful stint with the Prince George Cougars, where he scored 20 goals and accumulated 73 points over 58 games.

Growing up on a family farm near Cypress River in Manitoba, Karels has a well-rounded two-way game that might counter any existing concerns about his adjustment to the hustle of New York. “Carson really brings an edge,” Jackson added, noting his classic physicality. “He’s the kind of defender you want in front of the net, especially when there are tough players coming in.”