Rangers Top 20 Prospects

Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future has the Rangers Top 20 prospects with Evgeni Grachev checking in at #1...

1. (3) Evgeny Grachev, C/LW Grade: 8.0C
Acquired: Third Round, 75th overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Age: 19
Grachev has continually risen in both the eyes of the Rangers management and HF since he was drafted in June of 2008. Although at times early in the 2008-09 OHL season, he seemed to give an inconsistent effort on the ice, after he adjusted to North American play, he was a standout for the OHL Brampton Battalion. Named OHL Rookie of the Year in April 2009, Grachev was the top first-year scorer in the league. Although the Russian forward was drafted as a center, he spent much of the 2008-09 season playing on the left wing. At 6’3, 212 lbs, and the ability to make things happen in front of the net, Grachev is a prototypical power forward, who is now thought to become NHL-ready sooner than originally expected. He will get a good look in the Traverse City Rookie Tournament, and then later in the month at the Rangers’ main training camp. Although it is likely that he will start the season as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack, an excellent showing this fall could lead to a spot on the Rangers roster this October.

Artem Anisimove, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Michael Del Zotto round out the top five.

...while Grachev is the obvious #1 prospect, it's nice to see a big return on the Gomez trade with McDonagh as the #3 prospect.

...i can't believe I'm saying this but nice job Sather.