Friday, September 25, 2009

Ranger Prospects in Hockey's Future 26-50 Best

Hockey's Future is counting down the top 50 prospects, and two Rangers show-up in the first installment of 25...

33. Artem Anisimov
With good size, work ethic and solid two-way play, Anisimov has made an excellent adjustment to the North American game over the past two seasons in the AHL. The 21-year-old has the hands, instincts, and vision to be a top player in the NHL. Anisimov had an outstanding regular-season sophomore campaign with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2008-09. Fifth overall in the league in scoring, Anisimov was the top point producer among AHLers under the age of 25. A reliable contributor, he didn't miss a single game last season. He is expected to center a line with the New York Rangers roster this fall.

39. Ryan McDonagh
McDonagh was Minnesota’s reigning “Mr. Hockey” when he was selected first among the US defensemen available in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, 12th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. A quick-skating, big, powerful, offensive blueliner, he entered the University of Wisconsin in the fall of 2007. A steady presence along the blue line, McDonagh was a solid performer on defense for Team USA in the 2009 U-20 WJCs. The 20-year-old was recently named a tri-captain of the 2009-10 Badgers as a junior. With the departure of Jamie McBain (CAR), McDonagh will get the opportunity to show more of his offensive skills in the coming season.

...man that Gomez-Higgins trade was a coup by Sather to get this guy McDonagh included.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you look at the list, McDonagh is actually ranked at 18. Del Zotto and Grachev are at 40 and 43 respectively.

Kevin DeLury said...

The Hockey's Future list you mention is from the spring. The one I posted is the new one for the fall. Which actually means McDonagh has fell dramatically in their eyes.