Three more players the New York Rangers could select with their 22nd pick

The New York Rangers are in really good shape in this year’s draft. With the first and 22nd pick, the Blueshirts have many options at their disposal to build upon their solid foundation. Even though many experts feel that the Rangers will trade their 22nd pick, we will look at three players who can play right wing that may end up playing for many years in New York.

Tyson Foerster – RW – Barrie Colts (OHL)

The eighteen-year-old is described as a big winger who likes to play the physical game and does not mind battling for the puck. The Rangers might look to him as someone who will compliment the many skill players they have on offense.

Foerster shot up the draft rankings with his outstanding play last season. The highlight of the season came during the CHL Top Prospect’s Game. While everyone looked forward to watching Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield and Jamie Drysdale, it was Foerster who not only won the night, he won the MVP of the game.

Foerster made some nice improvements offensively for Barrie from 2018-19, when he had 10 goals and 23 points in 64 games, to 2019-20, when he piled up 36 and 80 in 62 games. He also led the entire OHL in power play goals with 18.

One of the things that scouts have praised him for is his cannon of a slapshot, that has often been compared to Alex Ovechkin. Foerster is also not afraid to shoot the puck, as he averaged 3.62 shots on goal per game last season.

He will need to work on his skating skills, and if the Rangers draft him, he will likely spend next season working on that in Barrie.

Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea-(Sweden)

Bill Plazcek of draftsite.com refers to Gunler as “an established creative scoring machine.” Gunler is more of a perimeter player who has quick hands and a quick mind.

Steve Kournianos of the thedraftanalyst.com wrote this about Gunler: “He is an excellent passer for a winger with a reputation as a goal scorer. He can go from receipt to delivery in one motion, even with his back to the play in the neutral zone. Gunler’s forehand-backhand mechanics are advanced and borderline on being elite among his top peers. One aspect rarely talked about is his breakout positioning — Gunler seems to get the gist of set breakout plays such as the “up” that allows him to receive the puck in stride in the middle of the ice.”

Scouts also agree that Gunler needs to add some muscle to his frame, as well as some aggresstion and intensity.

John-Jason Peterka – RW – Red Bull Munchen (Germany)

Scouts agree that Peterka is best known for his speed, which is high-end and likely near the top of the draft class. He also has very good hands that give him the potential for truly high-end scoring ability. The combination of speed and skill make him a player with a high ceiling, but his game is also a bit of a work in progress overall. Some evaluators note that he has some issues with consistency and has to clean up some mental lapses to become a more complete player.

Dayton Reimer of the The Hockey Writers wrote this about Peterka: On top of blazing speed, Peterka also possesses above-average hockey sense and intensity. He owns a patience unexpected for someone who plays at such a high speed, and he’s become incredibly dangerous on the Red Bull’s power play. His defensive game is not as refined as his offensive instincts, but he still shows no fear and is not afraid to get into high-danger situations despite his smaller stature. He’s a very intense player and doesn’t shy away from physicality.

Peterka played this past season in the DEL, Germany’s top men’s league, where he put up decent production in a limited role on one of Germany’s best teams. His team, Red Bull München, was atop the DEL when the season was suspended and then canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. Peterka has also played internationally for German in World Juniors competition. He put in a very strong effort as a 17-year-old at this year’s U20 WJC with four goals and six points in seven games to help power an impressive performance for Team Germany and keep them safe from relegation.