The New York Rangers have released their prospect report for February 8, 2021. In this edition, the Blueshirts top prospects in Hartford take center stage.
Below are excerpts from the official report provided to the media via the New York Rangers.
New York Rangers Prospect Report: Nils Lundkvist sizzling
NILS LUNDKVIST (D – 20 y/o, 1st Rd 28 overall 2018 Draft)
Season Stats – 37 GP, 9-14-23, E, 14 PIM
- Registered a power play goal and recorded four shots on goal while skating in a single-game season-high 25:55 of ice time on Feb. 6 against Rogle.
- Has tallied a point in nine of the last 16 games (5-5-10), in 12 of the last 20 games (5-8-13), in 14 of the last 23 games (5-10-15), and in 17 of the last 28 games (8-12-20).
- Leads SHL defensemen in goals and power play goals (five), ranks second among SHL defensemen in shots on goal (116), and is tied for eighth among SHL defensemen in points this season.
VITALI KRAVTSOV (RW – 21 y/o, 1st Rd 9 overall 2018 Draft)
SeasSeason Stats – 46 GP, 15-8-23, +6, 12 PIM
- Tallied an assist, recorded five shots on goal, registered a goal in the shootout, and logged a single-game KHL career-high 22:04 of ice time on Feb. 5 against Amur; recorded a goal in the shootout and led Traktor forwards with 20:39 of ice time on Feb. 7 against CSKA Moscow
- Has recorded a point in three of his last five games (2-1-3), in five of his last eight games (2-3-5), in eight of his last 14 games (5-3-8), and in 10 of his last 17 contests (6-4-10)
- Has been on the ice for eight of Traktor’s 15 goals over his last seven games (53.3%)
- Has established KHL career-highs in several categories this season, including goals (15), points (23), and shots on goal (120)
- Is tied for 15th in the KHL in even strength goals in 2020-21 (12)
Top prospects impress for Wolf Pack
MORGAN BARRON (C – 22 y/o, 6th Rd 174 overall 2017 NHL Draft)
Season Stats – 1 GP, 1-0-1, +2, 0 PIM
- Recorded his first career AHL goal/point and posted a plus-two rating while making his AHL debut on Feb. 7 vs. Bridgeport.
TARMO REUNANEN (D – 22 y/o, 4th Rd 98 overall 2016 Draft)
Season Stats – 1 GP, 1-1-2, +1, 0 PIM
- Recorded two points (one goal, one assist), including his first career AHL goal, assist, and point, while making his AHL debut on Feb. 7 vs. Bridgeport.
WILL CUYLLE (LW – 19 y/o, 2nd Rd 60 overall 2020 NHL Draft)
Season Stats – 1 GP, 1-0-1, +1, 0 PIM
- Recorded his first career AHL goal/point while making his AHL debut on Feb. 7 vs. Bridgeport
Justin Richards picked up 2 assists and Austin Rueschhoff picked up 1 assist in the Pack’s opening season win. Both are undrafted free agent signings.
Rounding out the remaining prospects
LAURI PAJUNIEMI (RW – 21 y/o, 5th Rd 2018 Draft)
Season Stats – 22 GP, 10-7-17, +6, 8 PIM
- Tallied three goals/points in two games during the past week; recorded two goals and 11 shot attempts on Feb. 2 against HPK and notched the game-winning goal on Feb. 5 against Assat
- Has registered a point in 14 of the last 15 games (9-6-15)
BRETT BERARD (C – 18 y/o, 5th Rd 2020 Draft)
Season Stats – 12 GP, 3-3-6, -3, 12 PIM
- Tallied a goal, led all skaters with six shots on goal, and posted a plus-two rating on Feb. 6 at Merrimack; notched an assist on Feb. 7 vs. Merrimack
- Extended his point streak to three games (2-1-3); has registered a point in four of the last five games (2-2-4)
OLIVER TARNSTROM C – 18 y/o, 3rd Rd 2020 Draft)
Season Stats – 11 GP, 6-2-8, +3, 0 PIM
- Tallied a goal and posted a plus-one rating on Feb. 4 against Forshaga IF
- Has recorded three goals/points in his last four games
Editor’s Note: Thank you to the NYR for compiling this great info.
