Rangers take defenseman Ben MacBeath with their 2nd round pick

With their second round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers selected defenseman Ben MacBeath at 64th overall. MacBeath, a 6’2″ 192 lb left defenseman out of the WHL, put up 7-44-51 as an 18 year old with the Calgary Hitmen. MacBeath turned 18 in March, so he was on the younger side in the WHL this year, and that scoring line bodes well. MacBeath was ranked pretty high, around the mid second round, so this is solid value for him.

MacBeath is a more skilled LHD than Alberts Smits, in terms of skill ceiling, and is another defenseman that addresses a need for a solid skating, scoring LD. Doesn’t mean MacBeath is a better prospect, just that he has a higher offensive ceiling. He’s very athletic, a great skater, and a great puck mover with solid hockey IQ. This is a swing for high ceiling, which is what the Rangers need.

Good value for the Rangers here.