Who Rangers could target with newly decided NHL draft pick after Canadiens’ Game 7 triumph

The Rangers have seven selections to make through the first 92 picks of the draft next month. 

This became official following the Canadiens’ Game 7 triumph in overtime against the Sabres to advance to the Eastern Conference final Monday night, which locked the Blueshirts into the No. 26 spot for a pick acquired by trade, and finalized the exact positioning of the top two selections the organization will make June 26-27 in Buffalo. 

The traded pick, which originally belonged to the Stars and was acquired by the Rangers in the K’Andre Miller trade to the Hurricanes last summer, is just another key piece in president and general manager Chris Drury’s retool initiative. 

Equipped with the No. 5 pick as well, the Rangers are expected to draft a center or a defenseman depending on who is still available. 

If Caleb Malhotra falls that far down the order, the Boston University-committed center will surely draw the Rangers’ interest. Otherwise, the organization will likely have a few intriguing blueliners to choose from, such as the left-handed Carson Carels and the right-handed Keaton Verhoeff. 

The draft board is much more wide open after roughly the 15th pick, which will give the Rangers the freedom to pursue organizational needs. 

Assuming Malhotra is drafted before they are on the clock, the Rangers could always trade up from No. 26 if there’s another centerman — or a player of any position — on their radar. They did so with Braden Schneider in 2020, when they traded their 22nd and 72nd picks to Calgary in exchange for the 19th to draft the young defenseman who is now potentially on the trade block. 

If they decide to use the pick, the Rangers have plenty of centers to choose from. 

Here’s a collection of players (in no particular order) the Rangers could take at No. 26, focusing on the organization’s need down the middle:

Simas Ignatavicius, C 

Last team: Genève-Servette

On track to become Lithuania’s third player taken in the NHL draft, Ignatavicius went pro in Switzerland this year and competed for his country on the international stage. His straightforward, straight-line game is simple in all the best ways, wrapped into a physically imposing frame at 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds. The 18-year-old chipped in seven goals and six assists in 52 games in the Swiss National League, with 43 penalty minutes and a plus-seven rating. 

Tomáš Chrenko, C  

Last team: HK Nitra (Slovakia)

An offensive-minded center who is considered to be in the top tier of the position in this year’s draft, Chrenko had a breakout season in the Slovak Extraliga. He not only posted 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) in 44 games, but he also collected 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 19 playoff games. The 18-year-old is said to be a dynamic playmaker who can make an impact on the power play and skate through most of the obstacles he’ll face at the NHL level. 

Maddox Dagenais, C 

Last team: Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Taking a massive leap from Year 1 to Year 2 in the QMJHL, Dagenais appears to have a major upside that would entice most teams. His shot and his shot-first mentality are defining traits of the Canadian forward, but Dagenais has also shown an ability to skate and create. After collecting 30 goals and 32 assists this season, Dagenais won the prestigious Mike Bossy Trophy — awarded to the league’s top professional prospect. 

Ilia Morozov, C 

Last team: Miami University (NCAA)

While most of his selling points have to do with his work ethic and willingness to learn and adapt, Morozov has climbed the draft ranks a bit this season through his on-ice play. He began the 2025-26 season as the youngest player in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey, but Morozov’s 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) still tied for the fifth most for Miami. He projects more in the bottom six. His two-way game and versatility are also notable. 

Nikita Klepov, LW 

Last team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Committed to Michigan State University next season, Klepov will bring his high-end playmaking ability and shot to the NCAA. There wasn’t much left for him to accomplish in the OHL after he won the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league’s top scorer following a 97-point campaign (37 goals, 60 assists). He’s a power-play weapon equipped with a heavy one-timer and is said to have an elite hockey sense. 

Tommy Bleyl, RHD 

Last team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Bleyl would be one of the best blueliners available in this range. Also committed to Michigan State University, but not expected to arrive until the 2027-28 season, Bleyl is highly skilled and mobile. Though his smaller 6-foot, 170-pound frame may cast some doubt, the Schenectady native can rack up points. He recorded 81 points (13 goals, 68 assists) in 63 games, while also posting 28 (six goals, 22 assists) in 21 playoff games. 

William Hakansson, LHD 

Last team: Luleå HF (Sweden) 

On the opposite end of the defenseman scale, Hakansson is much more physically imposing at 6-foot-4 and 207 pounds. He won’t be racking up 81 points like Bleyl, but Hakansson projects to be a reliable shutdown blueliner who still moves well despite his size. He’s said to be difficult to beat off the rush. With strong gap control, Hakansson can effectively clog the shooting lanes as well.