Tim Gettinger was a fifth round pick (141) in the 2016 draft, and has played very well for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Before coming to the Rangers he served as the captain of Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL. The left-handed left winger, stands at a towering  6’6 and weighs in at 216 pounds, according to Eliteprospects.com.

A Big Body Presence

Gettinger is a big boy with a lot of length when you put a hockey stick in his hands. Another strong suit of his, which in this clip below is seen, is his speed for a big man. He uses both his size and speed as he beats the defender to the outside, before cutting in on net for a goal.  

Gettinger has the potential to be a “huge” asset for the Rangers. His long stick and big frame to bully smaller forwards around will be important to look for. Gettinger has been improving every season, and shows no sign of slowing down.

Scouting Report

“Gettinger is a goal scorer, with a heavy wrist shot, and an excellent release. He has the instincts to find openings in the defence in order to get off that wrist shot, or a powerful one-timer. He also has decent puck handling ability and uses his body as a shield to protect the puck in the cycle game.” says Ben Kerr of Lastwordonsports.com. This report came from 2016, the year of his draft selection. With his 7 goals and 11 points in 20 games in the AHL, it looks like that holds true.

Expectations

Unless Mats Zuccarello reinjured himself, expect Gettinger to replace Steven Fogarty in the lineup tomorrow against the Caps on the 4th line. He should play a physical game and impress with his speed, especially at that size. Gettinger will also play big in front of the net and give the Caps defenders fits when he’s given an opportunity.

He should also get time with either Brett Howden or Lias Andersson as his center and that should pay off nicely for the Blueshirts.

Editor’s Note: Justin Bonhard contributed to this article

Unlike previous years which saw the Blueshirts playing playoff hockey, the Rangers were able to take a good chunk of this season to strengthen their prospect pipeline as they began their process of rebuilding. With so many new prospects in the pipeline, here is the Forever Blueshirts top ten prospect rankings. This will of course change after the 2018 entry draft.

Filip Chytil – 18 years old, 6’2” – 190 pounds, Center

2017-18 Stats: Hartford Wolf Pack – 11 G, 20 A – 31 points (46 games)

                       New York Rangers – 1 G, 2 A – 3 points (9 games)

The 21st overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft has done more than enough to prove that he is the Rangers’ number one prospect. Excellent skating, nice release on his shot and he is already showing he isn’t afraid to take chances in the offensive zone or try to beat defensemen 1v1. Chytil has all the tools to be a dominant center for the Rangers down the line. How soon will it all come together? That remains to be seen, however, he has already shown flashes of excellence.

Lias Andersson – 19 years old, 5’11” – 198 pounds, Center/Wing

2017-18 Stats: Frolunda (SHL) – 7 G, 7 A – 14 points (22 games)

                       Hartford Wolf Pack – 5 G, 9 A – 14 points (25 games)

                       New York Rangers – 1 G, 1 A – 2 points (7 games)

The 7th overall pick in the 2017 NHL entry draft definitely opened some eyes this year. I dare you to find me someone that’s as tenacious on the puck as Andersson. The compete level in Andersson is second to none and he has shown that he can make plays in the offensive zone as well. Andersson is going to be a key part of this Rangers team for years to come and it will be exciting to see what level he can take his game to.

Igor Shestyorkin – 22 years old, 6’1” – 183 pounds, Goalie

2017-18 Stats: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) – 1.70 GAA, .933 SV% – (28 games played)

“The Czar,” as some fans have already begun calling him, had another incredible year backstopping SKA St. Petersburg. He has already won a Gagarin Cup, set numerous KHL goaltending records, made some incredible highlight reel saves, like the one below, and he’s only 22 years of age. He seems, at this point in time, to be the heir apparent to Henrik Lundqvist with the only question being when he will make the jump to the NHL. His KHL contract ends at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.

Libor Hajek – 20 years old, 6’2” – 203 pounds, Defenseman

2017-18 Stats: Saskatoon Blades (WHL) – 8 G, 17 A – 25 points (33 games)

                       Regina Pats (WHL) – 4 G, 10 A – 14 points (25 games)

One of the two prospects acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in the deadline day deal for Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller, Hajek has the potential to be a great top-four defenseman for the Rangers once he develops. He has already started showing signs that he can be that McDonagh type player. The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell said Hajek was the best defenseman at the 2018 World Junior Championships not named Rasmus Dahlin. That’s high praise for the Czech native.

Brett Howden – 20 years old, 6’2” – 194 pounds, Center

2017-18 Stats: Moosejaw Warriors (WHL) – 24 G, 51 A – 75 points (49 games)

The second prospect acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in the deadline deal for McDonagh and Miller, Howden is a 200-foot center with really good offensive instincts and great leadership qualities. The ceiling for Howden appears to be a second line center but if he turns into something more, don’t be surprised. This is a kid that can score in a lot of different ways and has a nice set of hands. Holding the Moose Jaw captaincy for two years shows he knows how to lead.

Yegor Rykov – 21 years old, 6’2” – 216 pounds, Defenseman

2017-18 Stats: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) – 2 G, 12 A -14 points (53 games)

                       SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL) – 0 G, 6 A – 6 points (7 games)

Acquired from the New Jersey Devils in the Michael Grabner trade, this is a defenseman who looks like he may be able to slot right into the lineup when he comes over from SKA at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season. KHL teams typically don’t give young players lots of ice time but this kid earned it and he’s looked good playing against some great talent in the KHL. Most importantly, he’s shutting down men, not kids. He’s got great size, smart hockey instincts and could thrive in the right system. Rykov could be another guy that could anchor the Rangers blueline for years to come.

Ty Ronning – 20 years old, 5’9” – 165 pounds, Right Wing

2017-18 Stats: Vancouver Giants (WHL) – 61 G, 23 A – 84 points (70 games)

Yup, you read that right. 61 goals. Even for an over-ager in the WHL that still takes a good amount of talent to pull off. This kid loves to score goals and can do it from just about anywhere on the ice. The one knock on him is his size but as we’ve seen in today’s NHL, small guys can do some damage. What’s his ceiling? Probably a really solid middle six forward with a scoring punch. Anything more than that is tough to see but stranger things have happened.

Timothy Gettinger – 20 years old, 6’6” – 216 pounds, Center/Wing

2017-18 Stats: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) – 33 G, 36 A – 69 points (66 games)

A former fifth-round pick of the New York Rangers, 141st overall in 2016, Gettinger had a great season with the Greyhounds in the OHL. SSM was the best team in the OHL this season and Gettinger got to play with other elite talents including Flyers pick Morgan Frost. Gettinger is a big dude and has increased his point totals every season in juniors. It will be very interesting to see just how he continues to develop and what his ceiling might be. If he puts it all together, watch out, the Rangers could have a steal on their hands.

Ryan Lindgren – 20 years old, 6’0” – 198 pounds, Defenseman

2017-18 Stats: University of Minnesota (NCAA) – 2 G, 7 A – 9 points (35 games)

                       Hartford Wolf Pack – 2 G, 2 A – 4 points (10 games)

Acquired from the Boston Bruins in the Rick Nash trade at the deadline. Lindgren loves to use the body and finish all of his checks. Tenacious in the defensive zone, a quality skater and a leader who has worn a letter on his jersey at the University of Minnesota and with the US National Junior team. Lindgren has also looked good in his short stint with the Wolf Pack; and if this kid can continue developing, he could be a great third pair guy on the Rangers who won’t be afraid to rough up the competition.  

Morgan Barron – 19 years old, 6’3” – 209 pounds, Center/Wing

2017-18 Stats: Cornell University (NCAA) – 5 G, 13 A – 18 points (33 games)

This is the one relative unknown on this list, but he deserves to be included here. After a great showing at St. Andrews College, Barron took his talents to Cornell University and turned in a very solid first campaign there. Barron already has great size and if he can continue getting better, it will just be another guy that the Rangers have successfully stolen in the bottom rounds of the draft.

Holy toledo! After the trade deadline, the prospect pool for the Rangers has seemingly been filled with talent that can benefit this team down the line. Think of it as an actual pool being refilled with a hose. The old water had to be flushed out and new, clean water has to be put in. Add in some chlorine (which in this case, is prospect development) and the pool is ready to go! Lets take a look at some of the North American prospects that have done well recently.

3rd Star: Sean Day, Defenseman, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Last time we checked in with Mr.Day, he was a member of the Windsor Spitfires. Since then, he was dealt to the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL.

Day scored a goal, and posted a plus-four rating to help Kingston win Game 5 of its second round series against the Barrie Colts on April 12th. Kingston won the series in six games to advance to the third round of the OHL Playoffs against Hamilton. Day has registered nine points (3G 6A) and a plus/minus of +7 in 11 playoff matches thus far. Day is tied for first among OHL defensemen in goals and is tied for sixth among OHL defensemen in plus/minus in the 2018 Playoffs.

2nd Star: Timothy Gettinger, LW, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Tim Gettinger notched two assists and posted a +1 plus/minus rating in Game 4 of Sault Ste. Marie’s second round series against Owen Sound on April 11th. He has posted a multi-point game in six of Sault Ste. Marie’s 10 playoff games this year, and has tallied 12 points (2G, 10A) and a plus/minus rating of +7 in the 10 games.

He has established OHL playoff career-highs in assists and points in this year’s Playoffs. Gettinger is also tied for fifth in the OHL in assists in the playoffs this year. He leads his team in assists, and ranks fourth on the team in points in the playoffs this year. Gettinger recorded 69 points (33G, 36A) and a plus/minus of +35 rating in 66 games with the Greyhounds this season.

Gettinger, who is now serving as Sault Ste. Marie’s captain this season, set OHL career-highs in many different stats categories during the regular season in 2017-18, including games played, goals, assists, points, plus/minus rating, shots on goal (256), power play goals (seven), shorthanded goals (five), and game-winning goals (seven).

1st Star: Brett Howden, Center, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Now that Ty Ronning is in the pro ranks for Hartford, this list will need a new number one.

Brett Howden, come on down!

Brett Howden was acquired by the Rangers from Tampa Bay, along with Vladislav Namestnikov, Libor Hajek and a pick for Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller. So far, all Howden has done is impress, not only myself, but others as well.

Howden has tallied six points (3G, 3A) and posted a plus/minus rating of +4 in four playoff games with Moose Jaw during the week. He notched three points (2G, 1A), including the game-winning goal in overtime vs Swift Current. He is tied for the game-high with five shots on goal, and posted a plus/minus of +2 rating in Game 3 of Moose Jaw’s second round series against Swift Current on April 10th.

With Moose Jaw facing elimination in Game 6 at Swift Current on April 14th, Howden recorded two points (1G,1A) in the third period, including the game-tying goal with just about nine minutes  in regulation, to help the Moose Jaw win the game in the third overtime and force a Game 7.

Howden seems to be making a huge impact on his junior team during this playoff run and hopefully, this is a sign that he will take this and have it translate over to the big club within the next few years.

Ty Ronning/Vancouver Giants

Prospects are the lifeblood of any organization. Some pan out and some don’t, but what all of these prospects share is a dream and a vision to the National Hockey League. The Rangers have prospects all over the world, but here we’ll focus on the North American prospects in another edition of 3 Stars Of The Week, North American prospects edition.

3rd Star: Tyler Nanne, D/C, Minnesota Golden Gophers (NCAA)

The young forward/defenseman and cousin to current Ranger Vinni Lettieri, registered a goal and posted a plus-minus rating of +1 rating on Feb. 10 at Wisconsin.  Nanne has recorded two points (1G, 1A) and a plus-minus rating of +3 in his last four contests. He has tallied 10 points (4G, 6A) in 32 games with the Minnesota Golden Gophers during this campaign.

2nd Star: Timothy Gettinger, LW, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

The tall and lanky forward from the OHL is having a nice campaign for himself this season. Gettinger has recorded 55 points (29G, 26A) and a plus-minus rating of +26 with the Sault Ste. Marie this season. Gettinger also leads the team in shots on goal, is tied for the team lead in GWG (seven) and shorthanded goals (five), and ranks third in goals and points in the current campaign

He’s registered three points (1G, 2A), including a shorthanded goal, and posted a plus-minus rating of +4 on Feb. 10 at Erie versus the Otters. Gettinger has tallied a point in 8 of the last 12 contests he’s played in (8G, 7A) and has registered a point in 14 of the last 20 games, accumulating 23 points (12G, 11A) over this time period.

1st Star: Ty Ronning, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

As the days go along, Ty Ronning seems to keep making a mark for himself as a can’t miss prospect for the New York Rangers. Ronning was named CHL Player Of The Week for the week ending February 4th by posting seven points in three contests (5G, 2A) with a plus-minus rating of +3.

During that week, Ronning delivered a trio of multi point performances helping the Giants win all three games versus Calgary and Medicine Hat. He registered two goals, including the game-winning goal in overtime, on Feb. 9 vs. Seattle. Ronning tallied his 48th and 49th goals of the season versus the Thunderbirds, tying and breaking the Vancouver Giants’ single-season record for goals that was previously held by current Buffalo Sabres winger Evander Kane, who recorded 48 goals in 2008-09.

As mentioned previously, Ronning has scored 49 goals and 19 assists for 68 points in 54 games in this season. He leads the Western Hockey eagueL in shots on goal (273) and ranks second in the league in goals this campaign.

Although he sports a small 5 foot 9 inches frame, Ronning is showing that he can tickle the twine with consistency. Whether this can translate to the NHL level or not, it must be comforting to Rangers brass to see a prospect put up high scoring numbers, especially with the recent news of the team openly welcoming a rebuild. If all goes according to play, and Ronning is able to keep his scoring touch going, expect to see Ronning at Madison Square Garden in the near but not too distant future.

Prospects are the lifeblood of any organization. Teams select players to cultivate them into future contributors for their teams. Here now are the 3 Stars Of The Week, North American Prospect Edition.

Greenville Swamp Rabbits

3rd Star: Brandon Halverson, Goaltender, Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL)

Coming up big for the Swamp Rabbits this week, Brandon Halverson made at least 30 saves in each of his two games this week, and he made 37 saves to help Greenville earn a 4-3 win on Dec. 15 vs the Manchester Monarchs.

The 21 year old Halverson was drafted by the Rangers in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Halverson played three seasons with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL before a 26 game stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Halverson made 36 saves on 39 shots in a tough 4-2 loss at the hands of the Jacksonville Icemen on January 10th.

2nd Star: Timothy Gettinger, Left Wing, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Tim Gettinger notched an assist on December 13th vs. Flint. He has recorded at least a point in nine of his last 12 games (eight goals, five assists), and he has scored a goal in seven of the 12 games.

Gettinger has recorded 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists) and a plus/minus rating of +14 in 32 games with the Greyhounds this season. Gettinger also leads the Greyhounds in SOG,  ranks fourth in goals, and ranks fifth in points this season.

In his last seven games for the Greyhounds going into the new calendar year, Gettinger has registered at least a point in those seven contests.

1st Star: Ty Ronning, Right Wing, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Ty Ronning again? You bet! Showing up as the first star again on this list, Ronning really seems to be making an impact for the Vancouver Giants this year.  Ronning notched four points (three goals, one assist) and recorded 14 shots on goal in three games recently.

He also put up two goals, including his 30th goal of the season, on December 16th against the Victoria Royals. In a stellar season, Ronning has recorded at least goal in 19 of the last 25 matches.

Previously, Ronning has registered 32 goals in 35 games with the Vancouver Giants this season, and he has recorded at least one goal in 23 of the 35 games he’s played in so far. He led the Vancouver Giants in goals (32), points (47), plus/minus rating (+16), and shots on goal (184) this season.

Adding onto a tremendous season, Ronning registered a goal for Vancouver in its 5-3 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers last week. The pesky forward has five points in his last three games and has a total of 36 goals (now 39 as of 1/11/18) and 18 assists for 54 points in 42 games with the Vancouver, all career highs for him.

Here is a update from Ronning’s most recent performance…

As I’ve mentioned in previous write ups, look for Ronning to make a dent for a spot with the big club soon enough.

The 2017 World Junior Summer Showcase rosters were announced yesterday and two Rangers prospects, Sean Day and Timothy Gettinger, were both selected to represent their nations.

Gettinger, a native of North Olmstead, Ohio, played for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds this year and put up 54 points (31 goals, 23 assists) for the Central Division champions. He also served as the team’s alternate captain for each of the last two seasons. Gettinger has shown promise so far, and will hopefully bring that talent soon to MSG.

As for Sean Day, the Canadian defenseman was a staple on the backend for the Memorial Cup champions, the Windsor Spitfires. He racked up 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) from the blueline during the regular season, and added five assists during the OHL playoffs. Day is a mobile defenseman who has very good wheels and a big shot. He has the ability to rush the puck up the ice to start the forecheck, and also has good awareness in his own zone. His defensive game needs a bit of work, but he can become a Roman Josi type player if he reaches his full potential.