The New York Rangers are currently positioned to make two first‑round selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. Getting these picks right is a hugely important part of their current retool, since the Rangers prospects pipeline is not exactly overflowing with talent.
The Rangers have their own first-round pick, which likely is a lottery pick considering that they are 30th out of 32 teams in the NHL standings with 25 games remaining this season. They acquired the other selection from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the K'Andre Miller trade last summer.
That pick comes with a condition. It must be the better of either Carolina's pick or one from the Dallas Stars , since the Hurricanes own each pick in 2026. Carolina and Dallas are two of the top five teams in the NHL at the Olympic break, so either way, this pick will be near the end of the first round when it transfers to the Rangers.
Previously, we analyzed why the Rangers should consider selecting a high-end defensemen, like Chase Reid from the Soo Greyhounds, with their own first-rounder. Now, we'll take a look at this second first-round selection.
Depending on whom you ask, this draft class ranges from average to very good. We're leaning toward the latter, which should allow the Rangers to draft for need rather than simply taking the best player available late in the first round.
To that end, one of their biggest needs is a scoring center, and there are several strong options in that range.
The best option here is Niagara's Ryan Roobroeck, the younger brother of towering center Dylan Roobroeck, whom the Rangers selected in the sixth round (No. 178 overall) of the 2023 draft. Listed at 6‑foot‑4, Ryan is big, though certainly not as tall as his 6-foot-7 brother, who scored 20 goals as a rookie pro with Hartford of the American Hockey League last season.
Younger brother Ryan is a natural goal scorer, one who's second on Niagara with 30 goals in 49 games, including 10 on the power play and six game‑winners, though he's currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Last season, Roobroeck led Niagara with 41 goals and 87 points, and he's one shy of 100 goals over three seasons in the OHL.
His wrist shot is one of the best in the draft class, and he's made noticeable strides in his foot speed and defensive reads, turning himself into a reliable two‑way forward. With his scoring touch, he may beat his brother to the NHL.
But there are some concerns here. NHL Central Scouting has him ranked No. 27 among North American skaters, a drop from earlier projections which listed him to go in the middel of the first round.
Our second option is Egor Shilov of the Victoriaville Tigres, who's ranked No. 17 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The 17‑year‑old center (6‑foot‑1, 185 pounds) posted a 23‑39‑62 line so far in 47 games and brings a creative, play‑driving presence down the middle.
Shilov can run a power play, skates with speed and skill, and shows poise with the puck. His passing touch stands out, though he's not shy about shooting when the lane is there. He thrives under pressure, but he'll need to tighten his defensive game and improve on face-offs. Even so, he projects as a future top‑six center.
It's unlikely he falls to the bottom of the first round, but if he does, Ilia Morozov is a home‑run pick for the Rangers. The 17‑year‑old Miami (Ohio) center is already 6‑foot‑3 and 205 pounds and plays with the maturity of a veteran. He's No. 8 on Central Scouting's list of top NA skaters.
Morozov is a true 200‑foot player who fits seamlessly into a three‑zone system. He may not have Shilov's pure playmaking ability, but he's an offensive threat who has steadily improved while facing top competition in the NCHC. He's strong on the forecheck, uses his size effectively, and looks like a player who will reach the NHL before age 20.
The freshman has 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 30 games, and blocked 21 shots at the other end of the rink.
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