However, it does mark a fitting, anticlimactic end to the infamous trade of Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller, with Henriksson being the last remaining piece in the Rangers organization from that 2018 deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On February 8, 2018, Rangers president Glen Sather and general manager Jeff Gorton released a letter to their fans, warning that the team would seek to acquire young talent and potentially part ways with familiar faces as the upcoming trade deadline, setting the course for a rebuild after a string of successful seasons and deep playoff runs.

They ended up trading several key players, including McDonagh who had served as captain for the previous four seasons, and Miller, who was an exciting forward and former 15th-overall pick.

This particular deal saw McDonagh and Miller shipped to the Lightning, who were pushing to make a Stanley Cup run. In exchange, the Rangers received Vladislav Namestnikov, Brett Howden, Libor Hajek, and two early draft picks — the Lightning’s first-rounder in 2018 and a second-rounder in 2019. New York took Nils Lundkvist with the first-round pick and selected Henriksson 58th overall with the second-rounder.

Six years later, not a single piece from the trade package remains in the Rangers organization. It remains a black mark on the Rangers’ rebuild, arguably the worst move in general manager Jeff Gorton’s tenure, and one of the worst trades in Rangers history.

Related: Early look at 2024-25 Hartford Wolf Pack roster, including Brennan Othmann

Trading Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller to Lightning in 2018 one of worst in Rangers history

Unable to pry away prized young talent like Brayden Point or Mikhail Sergachev from Tampa Bay, Gorton built the deal around Hajek, a former second-round pick with exciting upside as a 20-year-old defenseman. But Hajek never sniffed his lofty expectations.

Given numerous chances to seize playing time and a permanent spot in the Rangers defense corps, Hajek never played more than 44 games in a single season across five years. The Rangers let him go after the 2022-23 season, and he has not played a game in the NHL since. He played 110 games as a Blueshirt, managing just 12 points and a minus-9 rating.

Namestnikov had four and a half years of experience at the time of the trade, all with Tampa Bay. The 27th overall pick in 2011 had already set NHL career highs in the 61 games prior to the trade, scoring 20 goals and 44 points. He scored two goals and four points in his subsequent 19 games with the Rangers, and to this day, has not scored 20 goals or 40 points since.

Early in the 2019-20 season, the Rangers dealt him to the Ottawa Senators for an unremarkable return. Namestnikov played 99 games with the Blueshirts and scored just 13 goals and 35 points. He’s stayed in the League but bounced around frequently, closing out this past season with the Winnipeg Jets, his sixth different team since leaving the Blueshirts.

Howden won a Stanley Cup ring and enjoyed a two-goal performance in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. It just so happens he did it for the Vegas Golden Knights last season.

Of the five players in this package, Howden had the best career with the Rangers by default, playing 178 games with New York, scoring 16 goals and 49 points. Advertised as an exciting two-way forward, the 27th overall pick in 2016 ended up being a solid fourth-line center in New York but was dealt to Vegas in the summer of 2021, finding success in a bottom-six role there.

For a little while, there was some hope that Lundkvist would be the pize of this trade, after the defenseman drew attention with some nice offensive play in the SHL. Given 25 games of run as a 21-year-old with the Rangers in 2021-22, Lundkvist managed a goal and four points, failing to do enough to stay in the lineup. The Rangers traded him to the Dallas Stars that offseason, getting a first-round pick in return which was flipped ahead of the 2023 trade deadline to the St. Louis Blues for Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola.

Henriksson failed to garner the same hype and, after struggling in the AHL for two seasons, has elected to return to the SHL.

The return for McDonagh and Miller resulted in a combined 412 games at the NHL level with the Rangers and just 100 points produced. No one from the trade has played for the Rangers since 2022-23, with Hajek being the last one.

Meanwhile, McDonagh played a major role in the Lightning’s three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final, getting his name engraved on the Cup in 2020 and 2021. After two seasons with the Nashville Predators, he’s returning to the Lightning next season after a recent offseason trade.

Miller wasn’t able to stick in Tampa long enough to hoist the Cup. He was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in the summer of 2019. Nonetheless, he’s become one of the League’s top offensive centers, scoring an NHL career-high 37 goals and 103 points this past season.

👏 J.T. 👏 MILLER 👏 pic.twitter.com/6M3hvLOlMX

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 27, 2024

It’s pretty clear cut — New York got the short end of the stick on this trade.

There are still loose ties in the organization from the trade tree. The fourth-round pick Ottawa gave up for Namestnikov was used to take forward Kalle Vaisanen, who signed late this season and played three games for Hartford.

The fourth-rounder from Vegas in the Howden deal was used on Noah Laba, who has yet to sign an entry-level contract. Laba just wrapped up his second season at Colorado College and was named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Defensive Forward of the Year as well as All-NCHC First Team.

The Rangers’ fire sale in 2018 resulted in a lot of big-name players being shipped out. Along with McDonagh and Miller, Rick Nash, Kevin Hayes, and Mats Zuccarello were all traded as Gorton tried to accumulate draft picks and young talent.

While the Nash trade netted them Ryan Lindgren and helped the Rangers move up to select K’Andre Miller 22nd overall in the draft, it’s hard to feel like the Rangers got the return value they should have from the talent they parted with.

Fans need to look no further than the colossal failure of the trade with the Lightning, as Henriksson’s departure marks the final blow, cementing it as one of the worst trades in Rangers history.

“We’ve had a good two days (of camp) and we started off the right way,” winning goalie Dylan Garand said afterwards. “Just keep going from here and get better every day.”

The Rookie Series will continue today with the final contest of this two-game set in the PPL Center starting at 5:05 PM.

Note: Corrected quote from Matthew Robertson to Dylan Garand.

Related: Three prospects that must step up at camp

New York Rangers 4 vs Philadelphia Flyers 2

In the first period, both teams came to play as they exchanged some chances. However, the highlight of the scoreless stanza came when hulking Rangers’ prospect Matt Rempe (6-8, 240 lbs) dropped Zayde Wisdom with a single punch.

Zayde Wisdom got dropped by Matthew Rempe 😳 @hockeyfights

pic.twitter.com/Yx6tJvJLCt

— Nasty Knuckles (@NastyKnuckles) September 15, 2023

The Rangers would fortunately enter the second period only down by one due to the goaltending of Dylan Garand, who faced 13 shots but couldn’t stop Matt Brown’s power play goal.

Early in the middle frame, Karl Henriksson evened things up with a matching power play marker of his own. A fortune deflection off a Flyers’ defender eluded goalie Nolan Meier. Highly-touted prospect Brennan Othmann recorded an assist along with Robertson.

“You should have no regrets doing something you could have done,” Henriksson said at the start of camp. “Every time you’re here, you should do everything you can to improve yourself and get to the next level. It’s a long season. If you improve every day, you’re going to have success later in the season.”

That tally was followed by a goal from Dylan Roobroeck off a feed from Rempe. It was an excellent shot for the 6-7′ and 206 lbs center after being taken in the 6th round this past summer by New York. Roobroeck potted 53 points in 68 games with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL last season.

Tied 2-2 headed into the third thanks to this BEAUTY from Roobroeck. 👏 pic.twitter.com/kaDlC59JEq

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 16, 2023

Another late goal by the Flyers, this time from Alex Ciernik squared both sides heading into the final period.

Ryder Korczak netted the game-winning tally converting a beautiful set up by Brett Berard and Adam Sykora. His shot from the slot came at the 9:56 mark of the third.

“I thought all game our line was playing good,” he said. “It was just a matter of time before we got one. [Berard] found me in front of the net there, and I just put it away.”

Ryder Korczak gets the go ahead goal. Nice pass by Brett Berard, #NYR pic.twitter.com/Caip1WmSAp

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) September 16, 2023

Robertson closed out the scoring with a long distance unassisted empty-net goal that went over a jumping Flyers’ glove. Garand finished the night with 32 saves.

Matthew Robertson, Bobby Trivigno, and Karl Henriksson are all entering the final year of their entry-level contracts.

Related: Rangers prospect pool dips again

Rangers prospects that need to impress

Bobby Trivigno

Trivigno, 24, signed as a college free agent on April 1, 2022 after a successful NCAA career where he won the National Championship in 2021. During his final year at UMass, he scored 49 points with 20 goals earning himself College Hockey News’ Player of the Year Award.

So far, the small but gritty forward has yet play a game for the Rangers.

The native of Setauket, NY has been solid for the Hartford Wolf Pack amassing 8 goals, 21 assists, and 29 points in 68 AHL games over parts of two seasons. In last season’s Calder Cup playoffs, he added 3 points in 9 matches and showed an ability to be play in tough situations.

Coming into camp, Trivigno needs to let the Rangers know he’s a lot more than a feisty fourth-liner. He’ll need to show some of that scoring ability he displayed in college if he hopes to stick around past this season.

Karl Henriksson

Henriksson, 22, was selected by the Rangers in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. To date, the small Swedish center has yet to play a single game for the big club.

Before coming over to North America, Henriksson scored 9 points in 40 games with Frolunda of the SHL playing against men in 2021-22. In his first pro season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, he registered 17 points in 70 games, but went scoreless in 7 playoff contests.

With the trend in the NHL of getting continuously bigger in size, the 5-9 pivot needs to show some of the playmaking ability that attracted the Rangers to him in the first place.

Matthew Robertson

Of all the prospects attending rookie camp, none has more to prove than Canadian born defenseman Matthew Robertson.

When the Rangers drafted him during the second round of the 2019 draft, they expected the now 22 year-old to be pushing for a full-time roster spot. Considering his formidable size at 6-4 and 201 lbs, he would be an ideal partner for Braden Schneider on the third pair.

Last season with the Wolf Pack was an up and down affair. He scored 23 points in 57 games showing some of that offensive ability from juniors. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short by injury as he missed the entirety of the Pack’s Calder Cup playoff run.

Entering this season, it’s a pivotal one for Robertson with the Rangers organization. He’s due to be a restricted free agent next summer, and needs to make some serious strides starting immediately when camp opens.

What Robertson needs to show management is his ability to be that two-way defenseman they selected. That means moving the puck and making that all important outlet pass throughout camp. He must also maintain the steadiness in his own zone that won him Central Division’s Defenseman of the Year in 2020-21 with a +26.

While the organization would love a Robertson and Schneider pairing for the foreseeable future, it falls on the prospect to make the impression needed. If he does, we may see his NHL debut this season.

For more on the 24 players at camp, click here.

Here’s the Rangers Rookie Camp Schedule:

• 9/13 – Practice (12:30 PM) – MSG Training Center
• 9/14 – Practice (10:30 AM) – MSG Training Center
• 9/15 – Rookie Game @ Flyers (7:00 PM) – PPL Center in Allentown, PA
• 9/16 – Rookie Game @ Flyers (5:00 PM) – PPL Center in Allentown, PA
• 9/17 and 9/18 – No Practice
• 9/19 – Practice (12:15 PM) – MSG Training Center

The NY Rangers rookie camp begins today at 12:00 PM with practice in preparation for a two-game set versus the Philadelphia Flyers rookies starting Friday.

We all know the big prospect names at camp like 2021 first round pick Brennan Othmann, Will Cuylle, Bobby Trivigno, Matthew Robertson, and Zac Jones. Those players are going to get a ton of attention as they have a chance to win jobs this season on the big club.

None of those players are centers.

The Rangers have done an incredible job rebuilding the roster and stockpiling top prospects over the years. However, the winners have all been either wingers, defensemen, or goalies. Matter of fact, Filip Chytil is probably the only notable young center to come up through the system and he was drafted in 2017, the year before the rebuild letter went out.

That’s why at this year’s rookie camp these players must step up and show the organization there’s promise down the middle.

NY Rangers rookie centers

According to the official New York Rangers rookie camp roster, six players are listed as centers.

Here’s how I rank them in the organization pipeline:

Ryder Korczak

Of all the names listed above, Korczak has been a standout and signed his entry-level deal in May of 2022. This past season, he picked up 79 points in 68 games which was good for second on the Moose Jaw Warriors and 18th overall in the WHL. His 54 assists led the team.

While he may be considered small by NHL standards, he’s a solid playmaker that can shoot the puck well. At rookie camp, I would expect him to line up with Brennan Othmann on his wing to show what he can do.

“I try to model my game after Brayden Point, I think I have a lot in common with him stylistically,” Korczak said. “His determination to make it in the NHL is an example to others. I’m not saying I will be as good as him because he is a top-10 player in the league in my opinion, but he’s an example for kids like me.”

Bryce McConnell-Barker

Since the Rangers drafted him this past summer, there’s been some healthy buzz regarding the self-described two-way center. McConnell-Barker comes in with decent size and should fill out over the next year. It would be nice to see him man the second line with a player like Will Cuylle on his flank. This is a real showcase for the kid and the Rangers are hopeful he has a future in New York.

“I’m a two-way centerman and I work really hard all over the ice,” McConnell-Barker said. “I am good defensively but I can produce offensively by putting the puck in the net and making some plays too.”

Karl Henriksson

There was a lot of buzz around Henriksson when he was drafted despite his small size. The pivot from Sweden has been in the SHL going up against grizzly veterans for a few seasons and plays a strong two-way game. Unfortunately, the Rangers drafted him to be a playmaker that could provide offense which hasn’t really come to fruition. At this camp, it’s essential for him to give management a strong showing as at least a potential third liner.

Matt Rempe

A monster of a prospect, who plays it mean and with an edge. Last season, Rempe had a memorable fight against Flyers rookie Wade Allison that had everyone on the ice excited along with management up in the stands. Could he be a sleeper for the fourth line center position this year? Unlikely, but a good performance will have him in consideration in 2023-24.

Patrick Khoderenko and Jayden Grubbe

The last two listed centers, Khoderenko and Grubbe are likely to get some playing time on the wings at rookie camp. Regardless, they need to be considered because they can play the position. The same goes for Adam Edstrom, who the Rangers note as a left wing for camp.

Khoderenko signed as a free agent out of college and played last year for the Wolf Pack. He’s got offensive upside to his game and could really use a good camp as the elder statesman of this group to stay in the mix.

Grubbe actually has a connection with Jimmy Vesey, who will be at regular camp on a PTO. The third-round pick the Rangers acquired from Buffalo for Vesey turned out to be Grubbe. When he was drafted, there was emphasis on his size and character as being hard to play against. He could have a future in the bottom six.

NHL News and Rumors

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There are now 45 players remaining in Training Camp and listed below:

Forwards (26): Morgan Barron, Sammy Blais, Jonny Brodzinski, Filip Chytil, Will Cuylle, Tanner Fritz, Julien Gauthier, Tim Gettinger, Barclay Goodrow, Anthony Greco, Dryden Hunt, Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafreniere, Greg McKegg, Brennan Othmann, Lauri Pajuniemi, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Reaves, Justin Richards, Ty Ronning, Kevin Rooney, Austin Rueschhoff, Ryan Strome, Mika Zibanejad

Defensemen (14): Anthony Bitetto, Adam Fox, Mason Geertsen, Libor Hajek, Zac Jones, Ryan Lindgren, Nils Lundkvist, K’Andre Miller, Patrik Nemeth, Tarmo Reunanen, Matthew Robertson, Braden Schneider, Jarred Tinordi, Jacob Trouba

Goaltenders (5): Alexandar Georgiev, Adam Huska, Keith Kinkaid, Igor Shesterkin, Tyler Wall

Rangers send Karl Henriksson and Matt Rempe back to their respective teams

The Rangers signed 2019 second round pick Karl Henriksson to his ELC starting this season. The 20 year-old pivot has played 44 games for Frolunda and has 7 points. He is also one of just 13 U20 players in the entire league. A boy amongst men if you will.

After signing his deal he told Swedish media that it was “super cool” and “a dream come true.” Then he revealed that it was already decided that he will play next season in the SHL again with Frolunda. “Yes exactly,” he responded about playing in Sweden next season. “And I think that feels good.”

So his cut comes as no surprise.

As for Matt Rempe, he played big when given the opportunity and even threw some fists when called upon. Selected in the 6th round (165th overall), Rempe was drafted for his size (6-8′, 240 lbs) and compete level. A solid young player in all three zones, he has bottom six potential.

After signing his deal he told Swedish media that it was “super cool” and “a dream come true.” Then he revealed that it was already decided that he will play next season in the SHL again with Frolunda. “Yes exactly,” he responded about where he’ll play next season. “And I think that feels good.”

A new report out of Sweden has Henriksson invited to training camp and getting into some preseason action.

Rangers prospect Karl Henriksson to attend camp

“It’s been the plan for a long time knowing that [Karl Henriksson and Mattias Norlinder] will leave,” Frolunda’s sports director Fredrik Sjöström told HockeyNews.se. “We’ll see how long they will be gone and if they make their teams. It’s a bit too early to tell.”

Sjöström is also a former Blueshirt having played in NY from 2007 to 2009 and has a great relationship with the organization. When pressed further, Sjostrom felt Norlinder was less likely to return because the Canadiens need help on defense.

Taking into account the previous report, the Rangers have already informed Henriksson he will play for Frolunda next season. Unless he absolutely dazzles and outshines other centers in camp, it will be tough for him to make it.

Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller having fun in Da Beauty League

Da Beauty League is a summer league based in Minnesota, it attracts young pros from different levels of play, including the NHL. Even veteran Zach Parise has joined in the fun recently.

Last night, both Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller jumped in on the offense to have some fun.

Another @DaBeautyLeague night, another @kandre_miller hatty. 🥱 pic.twitter.com/kgmHteW4P4

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 17, 2021

A nifty move from Ryan Lindgren (and maybe a lucky bounce) puts Nor-Son on the board first 🚨🚨

Nor-Son leads Bic 1-0#DaBL // @NYRangers @Lindiesal pic.twitter.com/ieNdT8MDej

— Da Beauty League (@DaBeautyLeague) August 16, 2021

Nils Lundkvist completes stellar season

Lulea was eliminated in seven games with Nils Lundkvist completing his season with two playoff goals. In 166 career SHL games he had 78 points which is the most points by any defenseman under 21 in league history.

• Ranked fifth in the SHL (ranked second among SHL defensemen) in shots on goal in 2020-21 (156); was one shot on goal shy of tying the leader among SHL defensemen for the season
• Tallied 14 goals and 32 points this season, establishing an SHL career-high in each category; led SHL defensemen in goals and power play goals (eight) this season
  • His 14 goals are the most by a defenseman in one season as a U21 player or younger in SHL history
• Ranked 12th in the SHL in average ice time in 2020-21 (21:24)

Notes courtesy New York Rangers

Karl Henriksson says he will stay in Sweden next season

The Rangers signed 2019 second round pick Karl Henriksson to his ELC starting next season. The 20 year-old pivot has played 44 games for Frolunda and has 7 points. He is also one of just 13 U20 players in the entire league. A boy amongst men if you will.

After signing his deal he told Swedish media that it was “super cool” and “a dream come true.” Then he revealed that it was already decided that he will play next season in the SHL again with Frolunda. “Yes exactly,” he responded about playing in Sweden next season. “And I think that feels good.”

NHL Scores: Golden Knights clinch

All the NHL games from yesterday. Read more.

It was made easier when Matt Martin took out the Blueshirts best physical player and leader on the blue-line, Jacob Trouba. The hit wobbled Trouba who showed all the effects of a concussion that has yet to be confirmed by the team.

Jacob Trouba injury presents an opportunity for Zac Jones

Trouba left the game mid-way through the first period and did not return. Carey Price, who actually finished the first period after a collision on Monday is out one week on concussion protocol, so this could be the same scenario at the very least. The Rangers don’t have the luxury of time, and it is clear after two games, Anthony Bitetto is not the answer.

Libor Hajek should immediately return to the lineup, and if the Rangers think Tarmo Reunanen is a better option because he can play the right side, bring him up. But for young Zac Jones, this one is a no-brainer for David Quinn who was trying to get him more practice time before playing a game.

“It’s been hard because we haven’t had a lot of team practices so it’s been tough to judge him,” David Quinn explained on a date for Zac Jones debut. “From the stuff that you see, he’s got a quick brain, quick stick, a great skill set – really understand the game,” he continued. “We have another practice tomorrow and it will give us another opportunity to get a feel for what he’s capable of doing.”

That really isn’t much to go on at face value but the Rangers next four games are against the Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres. It’s time to let the kid play.

Rangers ink prospect center Karl Henriksson

The Blueshirts have inked their best center prospect Karl Henriksson. Selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, Henriksson is on the small side but has excellent play-making skills. He could be a surprise for the Rangers coming out of camp next season.

The #NYR signed 20 y/o '19 2nd Rnd Pick F Karl Henriksson to 3 yr ELC, starts 21-22:

Yr 1/2: $750K Base, $92.5K Signing Bonus, $82.5K GP Bonus
Yr 3: 832.5K/92.5K

Cap Hit $70K, AAV $925K

7P in 44 SHL GPhttps://t.co/HAJBXXGrks

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) April 21, 2021

NHL Recaps: All of yesterday’s action

Get up to speed on all the action from yesterday.

We believe these are the teams with the best prospect pipelines. #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/CCIKHUh2r1

— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) January 10, 2021

Below are excerpts from the official report provided to the media via the New York Rangers.

Future Blue: The Rangers top prospects

• Nils Lundkvist registered three goals/points, a plus-three rating, and 12 shots on goal in three games during the past week; he tied a single-game SHL career-high with two goals and established a single-game SHL career-high with eight shots on goal on Jan. 9 against IK Oskarshamn. The Rangers’ first round pick (28th overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has tallied a point in seven of the last nine games (four goals, four assists), in nine of the last 12 games (four goals, six assists), and in 12 of the last 17 games (seven goals, eight assists), and he has also notched four goals in the last four games, recording at least one goal in three of the four contests. Lundkvist has registered 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) and 91 shots on goal in 29 SHL games in 2020-21, and he has averaged 20:23 of ice time per game in the 29 contests.

• Vitali Kravtsov registered a goal on Jan. 8 against Ak Bars, and he tied a single-game KHL career-high with six shots on goal on Jan. 6 against Spartak. The Rangers’ first round pick (ninth overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has recorded 18 points (13 goals, five assists), a plus-four rating, and 101 shots on goal in 37 KHL games with Traktor this season. In addition, he has recorded a goal/point in three of the last five games (three goals) and in four of the last seven games (four goals), and he has tallied a point in five of the last eight contests (four goals, one assist). Despite missing seven games this season, Kravtsov leads Traktor in goals and even strength goals (10), and is tied for third in shots on goal (and is tied for second on the team in shots on goal per game – 2.7).

• Braden Schneider helped Canada earn a silver medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Rangers’ first round pick (19th overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft registered three points (one goal, two assists) and a plus-eight rating in six games in the tournament this year, including two points (one goal, one assist) and a plus-four rating in Canada’s win in the Semifinals against Russia on Jan. 4 to advance to the Gold Medal Game.

• Zachary Jones tied single-game collegiate career-highs with three assists and three points on Jan. 6 vs. New Hampshire, as he registered three power play assists to help UMass win the contest, 4-0. The Rangers’ third round pick (68th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft extended his point streak to six games, which is a collegiate career-high (three goals, seven assists over the span), and he has tallied 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 13 games with UMass this season. Jones has notched at least one point in nine of 13 games this season.

• Karl Henriksson tallied an assist and posted a plus-one rating on Jan. 9 against Farjestad. The Rangers’ second round pick (58th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft has registered five assists in 28 SHL games with Frolunda this season, and he has also posted a plus-six rating over the last seven contests.

When it comes to which player Karl Henriksson enjoys watching, he didn’t stray far from home. “I really enjoy watching Mika [Zibanejad] play,” he told us in a recent interview. Emulating his fellow countryman and possible future teammate isn’t a bad idea.

Rangers pipeline very deep

• Brett Berard helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Rangers’ fifth round pick (134th overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft registered five points (one goal, four assists) and a plus-eight rating in seven games in the tournament. Berard tied for fourth on the United States in plus/minus rating during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

• Lauri Pajuniemi notched an assist and registered four shot attempts (three of which were on goal) in 20:42 of ice time on Jan. 8 against Sport. The Rangers’ fifth round pick (132nd overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft extended his point streak to seven games (five goals, two assists), which is a Liiga career-high, and he has also posted a plus-one rating in five of the seven games. Pajuniemi has tallied nine points (six goals, three assists) and 60 shot attempts (38 of which have been on goal) in 14 games with TPS in 2020-21.

• Hunter Skinner helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (112th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft made his IIHF World Junior Championship debut, which was also his international hockey debut, with the United States in the Quarterfinals against Slovakia on Jan. 2.

“After I was drafted by the Rangers, I started thinking about my options, college or junior hockey. I felt the London Knights were the best option for me to grow, both as a player and a person, under Mark and Dale Hunter.”

Hunter Skinner

Promising prospects

• Oliver Tarnstrom recorded two goals in the shootout, including the game-winning shot in the shootout, to help Hanvikens defeat Enkopings on Jan. 10. The Rangers’ third round pick (92nd overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft has registered five points (three goals, two assists) and a plus-two rating in seven games with Hanvikens SK in Hockeyettan (third tier league in Sweden) this season. 

• Dylan Garand helped Canada earn a silver medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (103rd overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft appeared in one game in the tournament.

• Eric Ciccolini notched an assist/point in each of Michigan’s two games during the past week against Michigan State (two assists), and he also posted a plus-three rating in Michigan’s 9-0 win against Michigan State on Jan. 8. The Rangers’ seventh round pick (205th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft has registered four points (two goals, two assists) and a plus-four rating in 10 games with the University of Michigan this season.

• Riley Hughes registered a goal, recorded three shots on goal, and posted a plus-two rating on Jan. 10 at Merrimack. The Rangers’ seventh round pick (216th overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has recorded five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-two rating in 10 games with Northeastern this season.

• Yegor Rykov tallied an assist and posted a plus-one rating on Jan. 8 against Neftekhimik. He has registered nine assists/points and a plus-10 rating in 37 KHL games with CSKA Moscow this season.

Thank you to the NYR for compiling this great info. Link to full report will be added when available.

Below are excerpts from the official report provided to the media via the New York Rangers.

Vitali Kravtsov leads the way for Rangers Euro prospects

• Vitali Kravtsov registered a goal/point in two of three games during the past week (two goals). The Rangers’ first round pick (ninth overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has recorded 16 points (11 goals, five assists), a plus-six rating, and 88 shots on goal in 33 KHL games with Traktor this season, and he has notched at least one point in three of the last four games (two goals, one assist).

Oh my @Kravtsov. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/reKL0CQgrO

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 26, 2020

• Yegor Rykov posted a plus-one rating in 18:04 of ice time on Dec. 22 against SKA St. Petersburg. He has recorded eight assists and a plus-10 rating in 35 KHL games with CSKA Moscow this season.

• Karl Henriksson posted a plus-two rating and registered two shots on goal in 16:08 of ice time (the second-most he has logged in one game in his SHL career) to help Frolunda win its game on Dec. 26 against Linkoping. The Rangers’ second round pick (58th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft has posted a plus-two rating in each of the last two games.

“Yes, [the Rangers] have been in touch in the summer, sending me videos of players that I like,” Henriksson told us back in November. “I try to pick up things from their games. I’ve been working on my shot, skating, and being stronger on the puck.”

• Leevi Aaltonen posted a plus-one rating and logged 13:06 of ice time (his single-game season-high in Liiga in 2020-21) to help KalPa win its game against SaiPa, 3-0, on Dec. 27. The Rangers’ fifth round pick (130th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft has registered two assists and a plus-one rating in 11 games with KalPa in Liiga in 2020-21.

Brett Berard turns on the jets for a great goal to lead North American prospects

• Brett Berard made his IIHF World Junior Championship debut with the United States on Dec. 25 against Russia, and he registered three points (one goal, two assists), three shots on goal, and a plus-three rating in the United States’ second game of the tournament on Dec. 26 against Austria. The Rangers’ fifth round pick (134th overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft became the first Rangers prospect to register a three-point game with the United States in the IIHF World Junior Championship since J.T. Miller in 2013, and he also became the first 18-year-old Rangers prospect to record a three-point game in the IIHF World Junior Championship (with any country) since Chris Kreider did so with the United States in 2010.

Out of a cannon ➡️ into the net. That's our guy. @bberard9 | #FutureBlue pic.twitter.com/wJMomsWkTM

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 27, 2020

• Zachary Jones registered two points (one goal, one assist), both on the power play, and recorded three shots on goal on Dec. 23 against UConn. The Rangers’ third round pick (68th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft has tallied six points (three goals, three assists) in nine games with UMass this season, and he has notched at least one point in five of the nine games.

“K’Andre Miller and I hung out a lot during the WJC. We talked about how great the organization is and being part of the same team in the future,” Jones told us back in October. “He is a great player, great kid off the ice and gonna be one of the guys in the NHL next season. I got to learn a lot from watching him play.”

• Riley Hughes registered a power play goal and recorded four shots on goal on Dec. 26 against Vermont, and he also notched an assist and posted a plus-one rating on Dec. 27 against Vermont.

• Dylan Garand made his IIHF World Junior Championship debut with Canada on Dec. 26 against Germany, as he entered the game in relief at the start of the third period. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (103rd overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft became the second goaltender drafted by the Rangers in the NHL Entry Draft Era (since 1979) to play for Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship (along with Dan Cloutier, who did so in 1995).

Thank you to the NYR for compiling this great info. Link to full report below once available.

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