Intriguing late bloomers among Day 2 options for Rangers at 2025 NHL Draft
Barring any trades, the New York Rangers will make eight selections on Day 2 of the 2025 NHL Draft, when Rounds 2-7 take place Saturday. In recent history, they’ve done well finding diamonds in the rough in the later rounds and will look to do so again, despite the fact that any player drafted outside of the first round has less than a 30 percent chance of even making it to the NHL.
The Rangers have fared well stockpiling their prospect pool in recent years by unearthing several solid Day 2 players. In 2020, for example, the Rangers landed Will Cuylle late in the second round, and proceeded to select Brett Berard in the fifth round and Matt Rempe in the sixth round. Top goalie prospect Dylan Garand was take in the fourth round by the Rangers that year, too. The year before, the Rangers landed Zac Jones in the third round and Adam Edstrom in the sixth round.
The Rangers will need similar Day 2 success this year, especially if they surrender the No. 12 overall pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Here’s some prospects to keep an eye on during Day 2 of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Related: Why Simon Wang, Kurban Limatov are worth Rangers consideration in 2nd round of 2025 NHL Draft
Matthew Gard: ( C )
Red Deer (WHL) 6 foot-4, 192 pounds
NHL.com analysis from Mike Morreale:
“Center, with a robust physical game, and specializes in shutting down the opposition’s best players- but there are flashes of more. 36 points in 66 games with Red Deer (and 81 PIM), but he looked great at the U-18’s, with 4 points in 7 games. Should be picked in the second [round].”
Not the biggest of swings, but the upside is very apparent for someone who down the road could be considered a first-round talent in a re-draft. Not the most explosive player, but has great control for a kid of his size.
Game is very stable with flashes that he can be dominant. Reliable with or without the puck in all three zones. Knows how to use his size to get through opponents with enough jump in his step to do so. Also has great hands in transition, behind the net, and driving the net, which at that physical stature, can punish any opponent trying to get in his way.
Very solid net-front presence and has no problem taking blows to finish the play. Could see him right in the Chris Kreider ne- front spot on the power play. May mock drafts, including The AThletic, have him going to the Rangers with the No. 43 overall pick.
Kristian Epperson: (LW)
Saginaw (OHL) 5 foot-11, 180 pounds
Analysis from NHL Central Scouting associate director David Gregory:
“He just plays a really solid game in all zones with an excellent compete level. Obviously, to play with No. 1 center Michael Misa all year long, and stay on that line and be a contributor, showed all aspects of his game.”
This draft re-entry put up 80 points in 58 games, with 87 PIM, and was plus-45. While he didn’t hear his name called last year, he appears assured of being selected this year.
Sure, the Rangers have plenty of left wingers, but this player proved he could play with elite talent (Misa), while having the mindset of a honey badger. Does anyone want to see such a player fall to the Panthers, or whoever drafts Misa even?
Incredibly crafty with the puck on his stick and relentless without it. A guy that can play up and down your lineup, and simply hates to lose. Willing to do all the dirty work it takes to win come postseason.
The University of Denver commit is ranked No. 47 in Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters.
Sam Laurila: (LHD)
Fargo (USHL): 6 foot-1, 191 pounds
Analysis from NHL.com Mike Morreale:
“No. 65 in Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters; he was No. 148 in Central’s final ranking in 2024. Regarded as a stay-at-home defenseman, he led Fargo with 33 assists and tied for the team lead with 41 points in 57 games. The 18-year-old is committed to play at the University of North Dakota next season.”
Analysis from NHL Central Scouting associate director David Gregory:
“He plays an excellent puck-retrieval game and is excellent on breakouts, whether he has to carry the puck or can find an open man on the move. It’s a skill that’s really sought after at the next level, so I think the fact you’re seeing that from him and his ability to create chances on the attack make him a very intriguing option in this draft.”
Could be an intriguing left-shot d-man for Rangers to consider. Will play on the same North Dakota team as defenseman EJ Emery, New York’s first-round pick last year.
Luke Mistelbacher: (RW)
Swift Current (WHL): 6-foot-0, 196 pounds
Analysis from NHL.com Mike Morreale:
“No. 93 in Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters; he was No. 119 in 2023-24. The 19-year-old led Swift Current with 42 goals, 93 points and 13 power-play goals in 67 games this season.”
One thing the Rangers have none of now and in the future is pure goal scorers who shoot right-handed. Can do worse than someone who is a year ahead of the curve after teams passed on him last spring.
Well-rounded players are great, but eventually you’re going to need to score goals as the core continues its transition. Between all the kids we’ve seen take strides this season, the only right handed winger is Matt Rempe … that area could use a player like Mistelbacher.
Adding this from Central Scouting’s Tim Campbell: “He’s a player who should have been drafted last year. Since Christmas of last season, he was one of the Western Hockey League’s top scorers, and he’s finished top 10 this year (eighth). Luke is a highly skilled, good skater, and he already possesses an NHL-caliber shot.”
Niklas Nykyri: (LHD)
HIFK (FIN): 6 foot-2, 190 pounds
Analysis from NHL.com Mike Morreale:
“A left-shot defenseman, had eight points (one goal, seven assists) and a plus-4 rating while averaging 9:32 of ice time in 31 games with HIFK in Liiga, Finland’s top professional men’s league. The 19-year-old is No. 40 in Central Scouting’s ranking of International skaters.”
Not only is this player a year ahead of most players that will be selected at this year’s draft, he’s also been defending against men in Finland’s top league. With that experience, someone should certainly be willing to take a chance on the unfinished product with a stable upside.
NHL director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said, “Niklas has shown steady growth throughout the season, transitioning well to the Liiga level after recovering from a lengthy injury. While not a flashy player, he’s a mobile, smart and reliable two-way defenseman with solid puck-moving skills and good vision. Physically, he holds his own but still needs to improve his first-step quickness, defensive battle strength and overall aggression.”
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