New York Rangers prospect report: Zac Jones getting Adam Fox comparisons; Nils Lundkvist completes SHL regular season; and more
The New York Rangers prospect pool is one of the NHL’s best. From blue-chip prospects like Nils Lundkvist to standout up and comers like Zac Jones the Blueshirts’ future is very bright.
Zac Jones drawing comparisons to Adam Fox
In 2019, the Rangers made their third round selection by taking a U.S. born defenseman Zac Jones. This season for UMASS he’s collected 8 goals and 23 points n 27 games to go with a +16 rating. The 20 year-old defenseman ranks third for all NCAA defensemen with 46 points dating back to last season. Now he’s drawing comparisons by his head coach to none other than Adam Fox.
UMASS head coach Greg Carvel had some glowing remarks about Jones. “He’s a high high end offensive player – he’ll be a similar player to Adam Fox in New York,” he said. “He’s getting physically stronger. His growth without the puck over the past two years has been outstanding. He’s an outstanding college player and he will be in the NHL someday.”
Nils Lundkvist completes SHL regular season career – playoffs next
Sure-fire NHLer Nils Lundkvist has concluded his SHL career and is now going to chase down a championship with Lulea. This season, the 20 year-old defender racked up an amazing 14 goals and 18 assists in 52 games played. In 166 career SHL games he recorded 78 points. What can’t be lost is that he managed these points as a teenager in Sweden’s top pro league.
For context; his 78 points are the most ever in SHL history for a blue-liner under 21. His 166 career games are tied for most by a defensemen in his U21 or younger season in league history. These are simply amazing stats for the Rangers third first round selection in the 2018 draft (Vitali Kravtsov 9, K’Andre Miller 22, Nils Lundkvist 28).
Lundkvist begins his playoffs on April 11. He is expected to sign his ELC soon after its conclusion for the 2021-22 season.
Morgan Barron and Tarmo Reunanen strong play continues for Wolf Pack
The Rangers may very well use the NHL Trade Deadline to try and make room for Morgan Barron (22 y/o) and Tarmo Reunanen (23 y/o). Barron continues to impress as he now has 12 points in 13 games for the Wolf Pack. He scored twice on April 2nd against Bridgeport and continues to rise up the Blueshirts depth chart.
Meanwhile Reunanen already had his debut with the Rangers and notched an assist in his only NHL game. He has 9 points in the 13 games this season as his stock remains strong with the organization’s brass.
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