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| Jesper Fasth (Bruce Bennett/Getty) |
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| Roman Horak |
There has been a lot of attention in Rangers fan circles on Chris Kreider and Ryan Bourque heading into the WJC, which is understandable considering they are the more recognizable names and will play for Team USA, but there are two other prospects to watch in Czech Roman Horak and Swede Jesper Fasth.
Horak, 2009 5th round pick, is currently playing for the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL. Horak after having a very effective rookie season last year has taken the next step this season becoming a first line player and producing consistently with a line of 15-23-38 in just 30 games. He has been so good that he made the TSN players to watch list from Scott Cullen (Bourque and Kreider also listed) who said:
A fifth-round selection of the Rangers in 2009, Horak has become an impact player in his second WHL season and should be counted on to provide offence.
With that improved play the views on Horak as potential fourth line center and phenomenal penalty kill have been changed for many and he is now seen as a legitimate third line threat in the NHL and possibly a top six forward down the line if the level of improvement continues.
Fasth, 2010 6th round pick, is currently playing in the Swedish Elite League. Before the draft the scouting report fromeliteprospects.com;
Fasth is a very good skater with nice acceleration and top speed. He works very hard, forechecks with impressive intensity and also create a lot of offense thanks to his agility and speed. Has decent hockey sense, technical skills and scoring ability, but it perhaps still more likely to develop into a role player.
After starting this season for the HV-71 junior team he would be promoted to the men’s team following a 3G 7A performance in the opening 6 games. With the senior club he has put up 4G 6A in 26 games thus far. Fasth with each thing I hear sounds more and more like Carl Hagelin 2.0 which if that turns out will be a great thing for Rangers fans and the organization. He is yet another potential European steal that has speed and high hockey IQ which is something the Rangers have done an excellent job of finding the last few years. He is unlikely to be here anytime soon, but leaving him alone over in Europe for a few seasons and it will be like adding a top pick down the line. Of the four Rangers prospects I am looking forward to seeing him the most because of my lack of seeing him in live game action.
Both Fasth and Horak will open their respective tournaments against Norway with Fasth playing them today at 4 and Horak getting his shot tomorrow at 7. While the attention is on both Kreider and Bourque with Team USA (starting tonight at 8 on NHL Network-US) a favorite in the tournament Rangers fans should keep their eye on Horak and Fasth as they are just two more reasons the Rangers fans should be hopeful for the future.
