N.H.L. Draft: Rangers Go Big, While Devils and Islanders Look for Scorers
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NY Times Hockey
The Devils selected a wing to play with their cornerstone centers, and the Islanders tried to make the most of the draft without a first-round pick. While this year’s N.H.L. draft was virtual, it may have produced some very real talent for the three franchises in the New York metropolitan area. The Rangers selected the consensus top prospect, Alexis Lafreniere, first over all and made another first-round pick after they traded up three slots. The Devils had three first-round selections, including the No. 7 pick, the Swedish wing Alexander Holtz. The Devils did not qualify for the postseason, and the Rangers were the first team eliminated.
Despite the deferral, the first pick was a dream realized for Lafreniere and the Rangers.
For us to have one of those once-in-a-lifetime types of picks, it’s almost dramatic,” John Davidson, the Rangers’ president, said.
He spent three tumultuous and unproductive seasons in the Rangers’ organization and is currently playing in Sweden.
Despite the deferral, the first pick was a dream realized for Lafreniere and the Rangers.
For us to have one of those once-in-a-lifetime types of picks, it’s almost dramatic,” John Davidson, the Rangers’ president, said.
He spent three tumultuous and unproductive seasons in the Rangers’ organization and is currently playing in Sweden.