Rangers Roundup: Draft Notes from Jeff Gorton and MSG Network’s special draft coverage
In just a few hours the Rangers will take the stage on draft night and select a franchise-altering player with the #2 overall pick. Rangers GM Jeff Gorton stopped by for a chat with the media the night before the draft.
“We talked to [Kakko] the last two days, very impressed…”
If one thing is for certain, the Rangers, and Jeff Gorton in particular, have not kept it a secret as to what their game plan is come draft day. With the Devils expected to take USA stud Jack Hughes with the first overall pick, that leaves the Rangers more than pleased with Kaapo Kakko.
“It’s a great feeling to know we’re picking second, and we know we have an opportunity to get a special player.”
Talking about a relaxed drafted, right? As much as it’s exciting for the Rangers organization to select such a special player, as Gorton said, it’s just as much easy, and the cards are ultimately in the Devils hand with the first pick. All the Rangers need to do is wait.
“Not losing much sleep on this one.”
Even if you have the draft pick in your back pocket already, the NHL offseason is one to always bring the trades, especially on draft night. Selecting either Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko with the second pick is just step one of draft night, as with all of the GM’s in the house, the phones will be ringing with trade discussions, and the Rangers will be right in the mix.
“We will definitely be busy, whether things come through like they did earlier in the week, We’ll see.”
That’s no secret, of course. The Rangers have been open in the past on who they would’ve liked to trade (and did) and it’s no different this offseason. With the likes of Chris Kreider and Jimmy Vesey being the most discussed trade pieces up to this point, the Rangers can pull a move at any moment. Whether that’s tonight, or further on in the offseason, it’s guaranteed the Rangers look at all of the possibilities in front of them.
“We’ve been pretty active and we’re excited about where we’re at.”
As should Ranger fans. Jeff Gorton and company have flipped this team around faster than any of us expected. From announcing a rebuild to the Rangers faithful, to acquiring more prospects and picks to count. The Rangers have lived up to the rebuild status, and I don’t expect them to take the foot off the gas now.
Tonight is the night! Let’s enjoy what we have in front of us, as the opportunity to select a franchise player doesn’t come around too often. As for the trade talks, who knows what can happen, but with Jeff Gorton driving this bus, it should be a fun offseason.
MSG Network Special Draft Coverage
Per MSG:
MSG Networks will be airing a special NHL Draft edition of the “MSG 150” tonight, with live coverage starting at 8pm. We’ll be providing real-time updates from the draft in Vancouver and instant analysis after the Rangers selection, included with reaction from Jeff Gorton and the eventual top pick. And throughout the night, fans can expect to hear from David Quinn, Adam Fox and more.
MSG
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