Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future takes a look at the Rangers 2010 draft results and says this about the Rangers first round pick Dylan McIlrath...Dylan McIlrath, D - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Drafted: 1st round, 10th overall
DOB: 4/20/92
Height: 6'4, Weight 212
The Rangers surprised almost everyone by picking McIlrath at the tenth selection overall in the draft. Not only were the Bluehirts expected to pick a forward, but there were two offensive defenseman that had dropped and were still available, so there were more than a few gasps when McIrath's name was called.
A big blueliner, who is not afraid to challenge opponents, either by taking away the puck or with his fists, McIlrath does have good speed and some offensive upside to go with his excellent play in his own zone. He is still maturing, registering 24 points (7 goals, 17 assists) in 65 games with Moose Jaw, while accumulating 169 PIM and a plus-20 ratio. Voted the most improved player on the Warriors' squad, McIlrath will strike fear into the hearts of opponents. The question that remains, however, is whether this was the best use of the 10th overall selection in the draft.
Treff also questions the Rangers on going after a defenseman when their main need was a center.
...it's been a month since the draft and I still think, after originally being against it, that the Rangers made the right choice with McIlrath. All the top forwards they might have been targeting were taken and they didn't need another offensive defenseman (Fowler).
...McIlrath is at least three years away, but the first time he takes a run a Crosby we'll know the Rangers made the right pick.
9 comments:
I was like you. At first i didn't like the pick. Then i understood why it was made. Now im super excited to see this kid play one day. Cant wait for a D who can hit.
I liked this pick from the start. Forwards can be hit or miss in the draft, (Jessiman!) but size, strength, skating ability and a willingness to bang are always desirable qualities. I think they were thinking primarily of the conference and matching up with the Ovechkins and Cindys and Malkins and Kovulchuks of the world when they made that pick.
Typical HF article, no detail at all. It's almost like Treff never saw these guys play. Oh wait, he hasn't!!!
I LOVE this pick. Hank needs protection. Gilroy and Del Zotto are skilled defensemen, but they lack size, strength, and toughness. Who doesn't love a player like that on your team? Boston has Chara, Philly has Pronger, etc. There was a reason Beukeboom was so popular.
treff is a woman KC.
i think she's knowledgeable and heard her interviewed on blue shirt banter radio and she comes accross well there too.
also like that she gives her real opinion on everyone not just saying each and every guy is great.
McIllrath is going to be everything that Marc Staal is not & I would not be so quick to say this kid has no shot at making the team this team this coming season. Depending on Marc Staal & how much youth they decide to go with, this kid is the complete package as far as a defense 1st. defenseman goes.
i don't think he has a chance to make the team this yr and even next yr is very iffy. let the guy develop for goodness sakes
If he has a good camp, and someone else doesn't, like Gilroy or Redden, who is to say they wont think about going with him. You never know.
Three seasons away is the most optimistic scenario most scouts see for Mcilrath. He cannot skate anywhere near an NHL level. The Rangers already have a Boogard on the roster. No reason to rush another stiff who can't contribute in most facets of the game.
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