The New York Rangers had
tremendous success during the 2010-11 season incorporating rookies into their
lineup and having those players perform at a very high level. It is rare that a team can have significant
contributions from three or four rookies in a season and still be a very
competitive overall. New York had that
last season with Derek Stepan and Michael Sauer performing at very high levels
for the entire season, while Ryan McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello also played well
in their split seasons between the AHL and NHL.
After a season like that it
would be understandable for an organization to lack talented players to step in
as rookies the following season. The
Rangers do not have that problem and over the course of the next week we are
going to look at some of the rookies that have a chance to make an impact on
the Rangers during the 2011-12 season, whether it be in full or partial season
duty. Already this week there was an
examination of Carl Hagelin and Tim Erixon in terms of making the team and
their impact. Now the focus shifts to 2010 first round draft
pick Dylan McIlrath.
When McIlrath was chosen 10th
overall many, including myself, were shocked at the move both for the fact the
Rangers left the more highly touted Cam Fowler on the board and because they
took what most draft experts felt was a reach that high. For the Rangers the selection of McIlrath was
as much of a statement on the culture of the team they want as it was on the
talent he possesses. The Rangers need to
be a tougher team and McIlrath brings tremendous toughness and an intimidation
factor to the table that the team did not have at the time. The development of Michael Sauer last season
helped that, but the Rangers are still low on defenders willing to clear the
crease and be able to strike fear in the opposition physically, which creates an opening for McIlrath to make the squad this year.
The prevailing thought on
McIlrath is that he is still at least one year away from pushing for an NHL
roster spot. Though if the Rangers
Prospect Development Camp is any indication, then McIlrath has every intention
of trying to change that timeline. His
improved skating and shot were some of the most discussed things to come out of
the week while he still brought the presence defensively which makes him
valuable. Obviously what went on has to
be taken with a grain of salt as it was against other young players and not
against NHL quality players like those he will face in training camp. Having
the level he played at during development camp translate to full training camp
would give him a shot at making the club.
The Rangers have shown,
especially on defense, that if a player shows they are ready for the NHL, then
they will get a shot regardless of their age.
The team has also had young players in each of the last two seasons
change the expected timelines on their NHL arrivals by performing at high
levels during camp.
The biggest hurdle for McIlrath
to make the team come from the numbers on defense where four spots are locked
up, two more have very good young players likely to make the team and Steve
Eminger is rumored to be coming back as a 6/7 option. If all else is equal, then the Rangers would
likely send McIlrath back to Juniors to get another year of development instead
of keeping him in the NHL and burning a
contract year for someone like Del Zotto or Erixon in the minors.
The other thing that works
against McIlrath might be the fact that rushing Del Zotto has had mixed results
for the Rangers. In his first year Del
Zotto showed the offensive skills that had the Rangers keep him around. In his second year, however, he struggled on
both ends and eventually ended up being sent to the minors to find his game and
confidence. It goes without question
that each player is different and the successes and failures of Del Zotto when
he was brought into the NHL as a 19-year-old should not impact what happens
with McIlrath, but in some respects it has to be there in part.
McIlrath is still a longshot to
make the team this season, but if he can translate the performance against his
fellow prospects last month to training camp this fall it is not out of the
question that the 6-foot-4. 214 pound “truck”
could roll into Broadway earlier than expected.
