Rangers prime draft target Dylan Holloway
When it comes to prospect depth, the Rangers are lacking at the center position with Karl Henriksson leading a thin pool. Jeff Gorton will have 2 picks in the first round of this year’s draft. While it is unknown exactly where they will select, let’s assume for the time being it will be around 13th overall for their first selection.
Dylan Holloway – C – University of Wisconsin – NCAA – 6’0” – 192 pounds
A powerful two way centre who lit up the AJHL prior to joining the Badgers, Holloway is one of the most perfect fits for the New York Rangers. After scoring 88 points (40 goals, 48 assists) in 53 games for the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL, he decided to join the Wisconsin Badgers and put up eight goals and nine assists in 35 games for a young and talented squad. For a true freshman in the NCAA, those are great numbers.
At almost 200 pounds, he is the biggest player of the five mentioned at this draft position. The Rangers have some good size up front and the back end will be getting a good dose of it once K’Andre Miller joins the squad. Holloway and Miller played together on Wisconsin’s squad this year so you can be sure Rangers scouts were checking him out as well when they went to check up on Miller. Holloway to me, makes too much sense and would be an excellent 2nd line centre of the future.
He is currently ranked 12th on NHL Central Scouting’s North American skaters list.
A hard-working power forward with a strong sense for the game, Holloway was one of the top players in Canadian Junior “A” for the AJHL’s Okotoks Oilers before beginning his draft year as a freshman for the University of Wisconsin. Blessed with ideal size and excellent balance, Holloway is a jack of all trades who can play either center or wing; serve as a playmaker or finish around the net; and most importantly, be matched up against opposing top players. Although his start with the Badgers has yet to produce eye-popping stats, one must consider his ability to impact shifts without denting the scoresheet. Additionally, he was a key figure in a Wisconsin recruiting class that also included forwards Alex Turcotte, Cole Caufield, and Owen Lindmark, so there is only so much puck for these talented underclassmen to share.
The Draft Analyst
Learn more about the Wisconsin Freshman and K’Andre Miller teammate here.
Note: This article also had contributions from Russell Hartman.
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