Rangers to let Ryan Mantha, Keegan Iverson re-enter draft?

Iverson

The deadline to sign draftees is June 1 two years following their draft year (for the most part, there are exceptions for NCAA/Euros). For the Rangers, this means that 2014 draftees must be signed by midnight tonight. Keegan Iverson (3rd) and Ryan Mantha (4th) remain unsigned, and appear to be on the verge of being let go by the Rangers.

Iverson, who was drafted with the pick acquired from Vancouver for Derek Dorsett, was a questionable pick when made. The 6’1, 218 lb forward scored 22 goals in his draft year, but has seen his goal and point totals slip in subsequent years. Junior hockey players are supposed to see improvements in scoring as they get older and more mature than their teenage counterparts. Iverson did not.

Mantha also regressed, just not as sharply as Iverson. He did not improve in a manner that warrants a three-year entry level deal. So he will re-enter the draft as well.

The hopes of the 2014 draft class lie with Brandon Halverson and Igor Shesterkin. If neither pans out, then the 2014 draft goes down as a total bust for the Rangers.

The last Ranger draft pick to re-enter the draft was Shane McColgan (2011-5th). He was not re-selected in the draft.