With the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft , there's a good chance the New York Rangers will select a center. Or they should, depending on what the draft board looks like after 11 players are already taken.
Two centers to consider after the top tier of pivots are Brady Martin and Braedon Cootes.
They are pretty similar in size, handedness, character and style, though there are distinct differences, too. If players like Jack Nesbitt and Roger McQueen are off the board, one or both of Martin and Cootes could be there for the Rangers
.
Related: Center options for Rangers with No. 12 pick in 2025 NHL Draft: Jack Nesbitt, Roger McQueen
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – 6 foot, 175 pounds
NHL.com Analysis from Mike Morreale:
"The right-handed shot complements a power-forward style with a great work ethic and intelligence in the offensive zone. Martin relishes play in the trenches and is the type of player who will make an impact in clutch situations. The 18-year-old had 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists), eight power-play goals, and three short-handed goals in 57 games."
Brady Martin is the No. 1 body checking forward in the draft. He's extremely physical with or without the puck, playing significantly bigger than his size. Martin is extremely dangerous on the forecheck, and also able to throw a reverse hit with ease. He will have no problem dealing with the physicality in the NHL and would be a nice addition to the Rangers gritty yet skilled future along with young players like Will Cuylle
and Brennan Othmann
.
Martin's not the fastest skater but it's certainly not a weakness by any means. He gets up and down the ice with the puck while making slick plays. He has solid vision and playmaking ability, to go along with a cannon of a shot. Whether that be in stride, standing still, or hammering a one-timer, all his offensive instincts are very smooth and with a purpose. Has no problem picking corners from anywhere, and loves to go top shelf with authority.
It's easy to like Martin's approach and game, and see how he'd fit in the Rangers lineup, likely as a high-end No. 2 center. He's someone worth trading up for if necessary. Think Sam Bennett
grit with Mika Zibanejad
smoothness and finish, but answers all the variables in Zibanejad's game. Could become J.T. Miller
2.0, another player previously selected by the Rangers in the middle of the first round.
Projected timeline to Rangers lineup: 1-2 years
Seattle Thunderbirds – 6 foot, 183 pounds
Sportsnet analysis from Jason Bukala:
"The team that selects Cootes will be inheriting a 'lead by example' prospect who empties the tank every time his number is called. He's the captain in Seattle, rolls over the boards in all situations, produces offence at even strength and on the power play and provides energetic penalty-killing. He plays much bigger than his listed size. Cootes will provide secondary scoring at the NHL level and he can be trusted to check top six forwards. Cootes ended the regular season with 26 goals, 37 assists."
A prototypical captain, Cootes just wore the "C" and helped lead Canada to the gold medal at the U18 world championship, after he was captain for Seattle in the Western Hockey League. His hands are a weapon offensively, but perhaps what is most impressive is his puck retrieval skills. He's always looking for puck possession and makes players around him better in the process. Cootes is crafty on his skates and quick with his curl and drag release that gets through traffic and can beat goalies clean from anywhere.
While his physicality may not be Brady Martin level, he's not afraid to get his hands dirty. He stand up when challenged and initiates as well, and doesn't seem afraid of anyone. Just a part of what makes him such a good leader.
There could be flashes of Mark Scheifele
here, but with his combination of build, hands, and compete level, Wyatt Johnston
might be the better NHL comparable. Cootes could be a good fit with the Rangers, though likely not among their top center choices. If the other options are off the board, Cootes is not a bad consolation prize, with a projection as high-end third-line center, who might grow into a 2C.
Projected timeline to Rangers: 2-3 years
