Best Rangers options at Day 2 of draft after landing Alberts Smits in 1st round
After a wild first night at the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday, it’s back to business for the New York Rangers on Saturday. They enter Day 2 with organizational holes to fill, and armed with eight picks in rounds 2-7.
The Rangers selected Alberts Smits with the No. 5 overall pick in the first round Friday, very possibly landing a long-term anchor for their blue line. Then they stunned everyone by acquiring elite goal scorer Pavel Dorofeyev in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, and signed the 25-year-old to a seven-year, $77 million contract.
But there’s still plenty of work to be done. They sorely lack as a top-six center in the pipeline, and missed out on the chance to get one late in the first round when they moved the No. 26 overall pick in the Dorofeyev trade.
The Rangers don’t have a Day 2 pick until late in the second round. So, they face real pressure to move up from their current slot. If they stay at No. 63 (officially 64 after Vegas forfeited its pick), their chances of finding a true top‑line center are slim.
Let’s take a look at some of the best Day 2 options for the Rangers in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Rudolfs Berzkalns: Big Latvian Center Could Be Rangers Best Option at 64
If the Rangers stay put, the best center available may be Rudolfs Berzkalns, a 6‑foot‑4, 203‑pound pivot from Muskegon (USHL). He posted a 13‑12‑25 line in 58 games and is committed to Boston College for 2026‑27, where he projects as a bottom‑six freshman.
What to like:
- Physical, two‑way center with room to grow
- High hockey IQ and strong on face-offs
- Power‑play weapon with top‑six upside if he develops
Needs work:
- Skating mechanics
- Using his size to dominate the slot more consistently
At 67: Beckham Edwards Could Be the Play
The Rangers hold three picks in the third round, starting at 66 (67). One option is Beckham Edwards of Sarnia, who is headed to Notre Dame and projects as a third‑line center to start.
What to like:
- Strong defensive game
- Offense is beginning to catch up
- High hockey sense and a physical edge
- Safe projection as a checking center with some offense upside
Needs work:
- Consistency shift‑to‑shift
- Finishing plays; leaves chances on the table
At 77: Blake Zielinski Brings Playmaking and Work Ethic
The Rangers could target Blake Zielinski of Des Moines (USHL) at No. 77 overall. The forward from south Jersey was slightly over a point‑per‑game and committed to Providence.
What to like:
- Reliable 200‑foot game
- Strong playmaker who fits a team‑first system
- High work ethic and middle‑six potential
Needs work:
- Acceleration and overall skating
- Upper‑body strength; loses too many puck battles
At 81: Brady Knowling Should Be the Pick — If Goalie Still There
With the 81st overall pick, the Rangers should strongly consider Brady Knowling of the USNTDP. It may take luck — he’s Central Scouting’s top-ranked North American goalie.
Knowling is a 6‑foot‑5 left‑catching goaltender headed to Boston University, where he’ll likely spend a year learning behind fellow 6‑foot‑5 netminder Mikhail Yegorov, who was a second-round pick by the New Jersey Devils in 2024.
What to like:
- Big frame with good movement and reflexes
- Raw but high‑end upside
- Projects as an NHL goalie — starter or backup TBD
Needs work:
- Glove hand consistency
- Technical refinement
Fifth Round (131): Jake Gustafson Is Strong Value Play
Without a fourth‑round pick, the Rangers return at 131, where Jake Gustafson of Portland (WHL) could be available. The 6‑foot‑4 forward is committed to Colorado College, Noah Laba’s former program.
What to like:
- Strong 200‑foot game and work ethic
- Quick release and willingness to play in traffic
- Above‑average skating for his size
Needs work:
- Skating posture
- Overall refinement; still raw
Sixth Round (162, 163): Two Very Different Forwards
162: Jasper Kuhta (Ottawa 67’s → UMass Amherst)
A 6‑foot‑2 winger with 32 OHL goals. A long‑term project, but the shot makes him worth a swing.
What to like:
- High‑end shot
- Natural finisher
Needs work:
- Skating, especially first‑step speed
- Creativity; needs a playmaker to drive his line
- Physical strength
163: KJ Sauer (Andover HS)
A 6‑foot‑3, 200‑pound forward with strong NHL bloodlines, which include his uncle, former Rangers defenseman Michael Sauer.
What to like:
- Excellent defensive forward
- Physical, reliable, and competitive
- Legit checking‑line potential
Needs work:
- Offensive touch
- Puck skills to keep defenders honest
Seventh Round (193): Parker Trottier Brings Grit and Pedigree
At 193, the Rangers could look at Parker Trottier, grandson of Islanders legend Bryan Trottier, who’s committed to Notre Dame. Projects as a potential fourth‑line checking forward if the offense comes along.
What to like:
- Aggressive forechecker
- Strong penalty killer
- Gritty, competitive, team‑first player
Needs work:
- Offensive development
- Puck skills and finishing
