Four undrafted players the Rangers have been Keeping an Eye On
HV71 Defenseman – Lawrence Pilut
Sweden has an amazing player development program, and over the course of the last few years, more and more NHL teams are sending scouts to take a look at possible draft candidates; and to try to find the diamond in the rough, being undrafted players.
Elliotte Friedman reports that the Rangers are one of six teams who have sent scouts to Sweden to look at several undrafted players.
These players are: defenseman Lawrence Pilut (age 22) and Joel Persson (23); winger Michael Lindqvist (23) and centre Par Lindholm (26).
Lawrence Pilut (D) was named an alternate captain by HV71 (a Swedish Hockey team in the SHL) at the beginning of this season, and has lived up to the expectations that comes in a leadership role. Through 38 games played this season, Pilut has 7 goals and 22 assists, for a total of 29 points. Pilut’s father Larry was born in Detroit and played hockey in the NCAA. Out of all the players that the Rangers are looking at, I feel as if Pilut is most likely to sign with the Rangers. Pilut played on HV71 with Lias Andersson, and Pilut has a dual-citizenship as he is both Swedish, and American.
Joel Persson (D) has also had a stellar season so far in the SHL. Playing for Växjö Lakers HC of the SHL, he has put up 26 points in 37 games. Persson thrived in the CHL tournament, registering 11 points in 12 games.
Michael Lindqvist (RW) has put up impressive numbers with AIK of the SHL so far this season, and in his second stint in the SHL, has put up 20 goals and 14 assists, for 34 points in 32 games.
Par Lindholm (C) is probably the most NHL ready player out of this group at 26 years old. Lindholm has played for Skellefteå AIK for all of his SHL career, and has been an alternate captain for the last three seasons with AIK. This season, 16 goals, and 26 assists totaling for 42 points in 38 games this season.
The Rangers have always been enticing to free-agents because of the city they play in, and the allure of Madison Square Garden. The Rangers have a large Swedish influence on their team, and a plethora of Swedish scouts. I’m sure Henrik Lundqvist has been an idol to many of these players, and seeing Lias Andersson having success in the World Junior Tournament, many of these players may want their shot at becoming an NHLer in the near future.
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