The 2014 NHL Draft is just hours away, and the Rangers will draft in the second round with the 59th overall pick in the draft. The Rangers traded their first rounder this year in the Martin St. Louis trade, so this will mark the second straight year without a pick in the first round.

De Leo

De Leo

Chase De Leo

Position: Height: 5-8 Weight: 175

De Leo broke out in his sophomore campaign with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL, putting up a great line of 39-42-81 in 72 games. Like most small forwards with offensive upside, De Leo is a quick skater that plays a creative offensive game. His hands are very quick, and he is very strong with the puck, allowing him to continue rushes into the offensive zone. He has a great hockey IQ, which helps in his positioning in both zones, making him not just an offensive threat, but a solid two-way player. But like all small forwards, his size and strength are a concern. He will need to build solid core and leg strength to be as effective as the Marty St. Louis’ or the Mats Zuccarello’s.

Gardiner (Herald photo by Perry Bergson)

Gardiner (Herald photo by Perry Bergson)

Reid Gardiner

Position: C/RW Height: 5-10 Weight: 185

Gardiner completed his first WHL season with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL, putting up a line of 22-2-44 in 70 games. Gardiner is another two-way player with a great hockey IQ. In fact, it’s something that Gardiner feels is his best tool, since it helps with his positioning and his ability to read plays in all three zones. Prince Albert used him in all scenarios, including on the powerplay and penalty kill. Gardiner is a pass-first player, but still put up 20 goals, showing he isn’t hesitant to shoot the puck. Plus, he’s a right-handed shot, always a good thing. There’s a chance Gardiner is gone before the Rangers pick at #59.

Share: 

Mentioned in this article:

More About: