Ok so I went on a little rant this morning about the McIlrath pick without knowing a lot of the facts which is never a good thing. Being hungover from the draft party didn't help either.
After finally reading Larry Brooks article which states that Dallas was going to take McIlrath at #11 and seeing Bob McKenzie's tweet that he wasn't getting past #15 I have to take back my criticism of the Rangers not trading down to get him.
With all the top forwards gone and the Rangers not needing another offensive defenseman, McIlrath makes a whole lot of sense. And obviously this was not a panic pick as I ridiculously stated. The Rangers did their homework and got their man.
And how can I disagree with Gordie Clark especially when he says this about McIlrath who is awesomely nicknamed "The Undertaker"...
Jeff Gorton, the Rangers' Assistant Directory, Player Personnel added this on McIlrath. While Mark Messier continued heaping praise on the bruising defenseman here.
More on McIlrath's toughness at Blue Notes, SI.com, The Prospect Park and Puck Daddy.
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7 comments:
I added a few appropriate words to complete Mr. Sather's statement.
We feel very fortunate to be able to select Dylan and add a player of his caliber to our strong core of prospects," GM and PresidentGlen Sather said. "He brings size and a physical presence along with good mobility and outstanding character. We've watched him improve throughout the year and are looking forward to his continued development."
"We, and by we I mean me and my multiple personalities and not the New York Ranger organization, believe that we are bucking the trend of drafting the best player possible by choosing Dylan Mcilrath. I would like to take this time to personally thank, Skippy, a twelve year old boy who lives deep inside me, who over the years has helped guide me through the difficult process of choosing great players. Over the years, Skippy has proven himself to be an insightful guide through the murky waters of free agency and contract negotiations. And, for those of you hardcore Ranger fans who are upset at passing over such "supposedly" talented players like Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley I refer you to Skippy's brilliant and insightful scouting report that he completed following this year's combine.
Cam Fowler: Cam Fowler has a funny name. It's like like flower but with a letters are in the wrong spot. Also his name makes him sound like he has his own show on Animal planet where he hunts unicorns.........PASS.
Brandon Gormley: Brandon Gormley looks like a guy guy I know who made a big poop in his pants in kindergarten. That guy never got over it...........PASS
Dylan Mcilrath: This guy sounds like a scottish cowboy, and that is cool. Do we have a scottish cowboy? ......DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT!
"I think you can agree, with sublime comments like these, there is no way we have made the wrong choice. In my humble opinion, we should reserve fifth avenue right now for our Stanley Cup victory parade."
From: Jay Gane
To: stephenstriegel@yahoo.com; Shawn Striegel
Sent: Sat, June 26, 2010 7:21:53 AM
Subject: ...and so it goes...
We feel very fortunate to be able to select Dylan and add a player of his caliber to our strong core of prospects," GM and President Glen Sather said. "He brings size and a physical presence along with good mobility and outstanding character. We've watched him improve throughout the year and are looking forward to his continued development."
You write that whole thing and you don't leave a name?
I'm new to reading your blog. Participated in the chat the other night. Respect that you admit you were wrong. Can't wait to see McIlrath pummel Crosby and the other whine-y stars in this conference in a few years.
Welcome aboard KC. Yeah if I'm wrong I'm going to call myself out. Not enough experts or bloggers are willing to do that.
Nothing wrong with admitting a mistake.
I am no expert, but after doing some research on this kid all I can say is welcome aboard. Tough, hard shot, intimidating, and he rose to the occasion when he got an opportunity... what is not to like. Sounds like he is going to be a real team guy, and add lots of toughness and hopefully a great shutdown game. We new yorkers like tough team players with an edge. Looking foward to watching him bash Ovechkin and that crybaby around in the near future.
McIlrath is several years away from competing in the NHL. Lundqvist will be well into his 30s. In the NHL, you cannot draft for current needs.
Well mr. or mrs. anonymous... While I agree with you, I really do, I think this type of D-man will always be a need. Now, later, forever. Even if we get one through free agency within the next couple of years, are we going to say no to bringing up another one? If they can play D and scare people and stick up for the team and shoot the puck hard, he will play in the NHL regardless of whether we have a need for him or not. Just my humble perspective.
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