As of this moment, the only thing that the New York Rangers and their fans are engaged in would be simulations. April 9th was supposed to be the day that the NHL implemented its draft lottery but with everything on hold, we are left waiting for what steps the NHL takes to hold their entry draft this year. However, the fine hockey people at TSN held a simulated draft lottery and then had their Director of scouting Craig Button make the selections for the 15 teams that would not have made the playoffs using the current system of determining playoff teams. The New York Rangers were to select 13th and Button predicted they would select Finnish centerman, Anton Lundell.
What Anton Lundell could bring to the New York Rangers
At just 18 years old, many hockey experts feel that Lundell may be one of the most well-rounded players In the draft. He does have extensive international experience as he won a gold medal with Team Finland at the 2019 World Juniors and won a gold medal at the 2018 U18, putting up six points in seven games. He was having a strong year for HIFK of the Finnish Liiga, having posted 10 goals and 18 assists for a total of 28 points through 44 games. As a 17-year-old, he scored nine goals and 19 points in 38 games for HIFK. Very impressive for a teen playing in league with grown men. Draftineu.com wrote that Lundell “works with and without the puck to put himself in convenient positions to shoot and doesn’t need much time or space to release his wrist shot”. His 62.8 percent Corsi for leads HIFK, suggesting that he’s been dominant in every zone. Just an FYI a Corsi is an advanced statistic used in the NHL to measure shot attempt differential while at even strength play. He has also been widely praised for being a smart two-way player who has the potential to be a number one center.
Steve Kournianos of The Draft Analyst had this to say about Lundell: “He has the makings of an excellent top-six center at the NHL level. He is constantly involved in the play in one form or another and he uses his size, strength, reaches, and sound positioning to overwhelm the toughest of Finnish league veterans. Although he isn’t physically intimidating or a punishing hitter, Lundell definitely plays a North-South game predicted on tenacity on the puck and making plays in traffic.”
Lundell seems about as well-rounded as any prospect in this draft and the Rangers would probably be very happy to find him at the 13th spot of this year’s draft.