Bright side: Rangers draft lottery chances improve with each loss
There are only 9 games left for the New York Rangers this season, and for some the end can’t come soon enough. With no chance of making the playoffs, fans of the Blueshirts have turned their eyes towards the draft lottery.
Improved Chances
Last night’s loss to the Red Wings was their 5th straight. In their last 12 games the Rangers have only one win and 7 out of a possible 24 points in the standings. This has dropped the Rangers from 10th in the draft all the way down to 6th and tied for points with Anaheim for 5th.
Per Tankathon, the Rangers have a 7.5% chance of winning the lottery and a 23.3% chance of getting into the top 3.
At this time, the Rangers have a legit chance to finish 5th with a slim possibility of surpassing NJ for 4th overall. If the season were to end today, they would pick no worse than 7th if a team below them won the lottery.
Potential Draft Picks
Should the Rangers not be able to win the lottery or trade into the top 4, here are the potential 3 players that they may consider according to Sportsnet’s rankings.
5. Peyton Krebs, C, Kootenay Ice (WHL) 5-foot-11, 180 pounds: He impresses enough with his play, but when looking for character he’s plus-plus. Think Ty Dellandrea.
6. Bowen Byram, D, Vancouver Giants (WHL) 6-foot-1, 194 pounds: Not that he doesn’t deserve top billing, but a premium on defencemen this year has elevated his stock.
7. Kirby Dach, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL) 6-foot-3, 195 pounds: Right shot centre with a pro frame could benefit from being more selfish in his play.
If this is where the Rangers land, I believe they will draft the best defenseman available in Bowen Byram.
Click here for our detailed scouting report on him.
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