Drafts are a tricky beast. It is almost impossible to really evaluate how a team did on draft day, or for several years following the draft. The general rule of thumb is to wait three or four years before really digging down and seeing how a team performed in the draft. Waiting five years, as we have done with this post and the 2006 draft, just adds a little more solid fact to what the results are.

First Round (20th overall) – Bobby Sanguinetti, D, Owen Sound Attack
NHL Stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 4 PIM

The Rangers were looking to address the need for an offensive defenseman, and got their man with Sanguinetti who posted a line of 14-51-65 in his draft year with the Attack. He followed that up with two more strong years in the OHL with Owen Sound and Brampton before joining the Hartford Wolfpack. Sangs put up good offensive numbers, but struggled in his own zone. His work ethic and attitude were also questioned numerous times. The Rangers traded Sanguinetti at the 2010 draft for a sixth round pick (Jesper Fasth) and a second round pick (used to trade for Tim Erixon). Even if Sangs did not pan out, drafting him led to the Rangers acquiring two solid prospects.

Result: Bust, but overall outcome still pending.
Players Passed: Claude Giroux (PHI – 21st overall), Patrik Berglund (STL – 25th overall), Nick Foligno (OTT – 28th overall).

Second Round (54th overall) – Artem Anisimov, C, Yaroslavl Locomotiv
NHL Stats: 181 GP, 31 G, 51 A, 58 PIMs

The gem of the 2006 draft for the Rangers was Anisimov, who is currently playing left wing on the top line with Derek Stepan and Brad Richards. It was tough to see what the Rangers had with Anisimov when drafted and even tougher after his first year with the Wolfpack, where he struggled and did not put up the points some expected. However, Anisimov exploded offensively in his second professional season, scoring at over a point per game (37-44-81), and getting his first taste of NHL action. Anisimov is now in his third season with the Rangers, and each year he has shown strong progression.

Result: Success.
Players Passed: Jamie McBain (CAR – 63rd overall).

Third Round (84th overall) – Ryan Hillier, LW, Halifax Mooseheads
NHL Stats: None

Hillier never made it to the Rangers, but was a part of the deal that saw him and Aaron Voros to Anaheim in exchange for Steve Eminger. Hillier only played five games at the AHL level.

Result: Bust, but it worked out, as Eminger has been relatively useful.
Players Passed: Tom Sestito (CBJ – 85th overall).

Fourth Round (104th overall) – David Kveton, RW, Vsetin HC
NHL Stats: None

Never made it to the NHL. Played one year in the QMJHL, has spent his entire career in the Czech league.

Result: Bust.
Players Passed: No one notable.

Fifth Round (137th overall) – Tomas Zaborsky, LW, Trensin (Slovakia)
NHL Stats: None

Never made it to the NHL. Played ten games with the Hartford Wolfpack before bouncing around the ECHL. Currently plays in the Swiss league.

Result: Bust.
Players Passed: Pavel Valentenko (MTL – 139th overall).

Sixth Round (174th overall) – Eric Hunter, C, Prince George Cougars
NHL Stats: None

Never made it to the NHL, but was selected once before in the 2004 draft (CHI – 229th overall). Holding out to be drafted again in 2006 worked out for his stock, but not for the end results. Currently with the Lake Erie Monsters and former Wolfpack/Rangers David Liffiton, Hugh Jessiman, and Patrick Rissmiller.

Result: Bust.
Players Passed: No one notable.

Seventh Round (204th overall) – Lukas Zeliska, C, Trinek Jr (Czech Rep.)
NHL Stats: None

Never made it to the NHL. Not in hockey anymore.

Result: Bust.
Players Passed: No one notable.

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