Thanks to all of those who followed us on Twitter this weekend for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
As we continue throughout the summer and into the next season, we will be updating here and on Twitter, so stay tuned.
The Rangers didn't make a major splash this weekend, but they did address some weaknesses in their system.
First, they selected center Chris Kreider at No. 19 from Massachusetts. The future B.C. Eagle, was ranked top skater in the draft, but he is still a couple years away from the pro-game. While the Rangers are deep at center, Kreider's speed could allow him to transition to wing.
Next, at No. 47, New York selected another center in Ethan Werek. The Ontario-native was a gritty forward in the OHL last season, amassing over 30 goals and 30 assists. Again, another center, but does play a strong north-south game, which the Rangers are lacking.
With their third pick, the Rangers took former Boston Bruin Ray Bourque's son Ryan Bourque. While he is again a center, his smallish frame can create some quick offense and does have some possibilty for offense in the QMJHL.
Other picks include center Roman Horak from the Czech Republic, goaltender Scott Stajcer of from the OHL, and defensemen Daniel Maggio from Ontario and Mikhail Pashnin from Russia.
The Rangers also traded a third round pick next season for forward Brian Boyle formerly of the King's AHL-affiliate Manchester Monarchs. Another B.C. alum, the forward was a late-first rounder in 2003.
And in a rare divisional trade, the Rangers picked up goaltender Chad Johnson from the Penguins in exchange for the 151st pick. Pittsburgh then picked Andy Bathgate, the 18-year-old grandson of the former Rangers Hall of Famer.
Something tells me the Rangers should have picked him just based on name alone.
Going into the draft, the Rangers had two assets to fill: goaltenders and scoring forwards. It seems that they accomplished that although they didn't really pick up a natural winger, perhaps their greatest need. Granted, at the age of many of these draftees they can easily be moved to wing.
Steve Zipay of Newsday has additional stats and analysis over at Blue Notes.
Now, some of these draftees and prospects will look toward this week's Prospect Development Camp.
In attendance should be forwards Ryan Bourque, Max Campbell, Chris Chappell, Paul Crowder, Craig Cunningham, Trent Daavettila, Evgeny Grachev, Chris Kreider, Matt Maccarone, Luke Pither, Justin Soryal, Derek Stepan, and Ethan Werek.
Defensemen Luke Curadi, Mike Del Zotto, Tysen Dowzak, Mitch Gaulton, Matt Gilroy, Ilkka Heikkinen, Sammy Klassen, Tomas Kundratek, and Daniel Maggio.
And goalies Keith Kinkaid, Ben Scrivens, Scott Stajcer, Travis Yonkman
Blueshirt Bulletin will be covering the week from player interviews, practice analysis, and on-ice photos.
Stay tuned for additional analysis and Twitter updates...
