Ranger Stuff

Rangers scoutmasters Gordie Clark and Jeff Gorton once again talked to the fans though MSG's Jim Cerny last night. It was another great chat, that reassures us we are in good hands at draft time. Like last year, they said they have a guy they hope will be there when they pick. They said last year they were more sure they would be there. Cerny would not ask them for names, but three names that came up that drew positive commentary and body language (at least from Gorton) were Tyler Biggs, Mark McNeill and Rocco Grimaldi. All three could be available at 15. Though they said moving into the top 8 would be too costly, it seemed they would examine a smaller move up or down for a guy. They also reiterated the idea that they could turn their Defensive surplus into offense through trades if needs be.

Anyway, Bigg, McNeill and Grimaldi are all fascinating players. Biggs is big and mean, but a very fast skater, who has scored some big goals for Team USA. What's more, his dad was in the Rangers system long ago. So, let's see, Ranger bloodlines/Team USA? Here's your ringers, folks, and if he's there, I hope he's the pick.

McNeill also has good size, and some snarl, though there are some knocks on his consistency. That should be looked at, because he dragged a crappy team into the playoffs in juniors this year and really improved down the stretch. Power forwards like Biggs and McNeill don't develop as quickly as more standard sized C's and F's. McNeill wins a lot of faceoffs, too. I would also be thrilled if he is the pick at 15,

If Rocco Grimaldi was 5'11" instead of 5' 6" he would be the first player selected in the draft. He is that offensively gifted. Gorton called him a little warrior, too. He has also played for team USA, and has been compared to Theo Fluery as well as Martin St. Louis. On the one hand, we just saw power beat skill in the Stanley Cup final, and the Rangers have been trying to get tougher. On the other hand, if you can get a Fleury or St. Louis at 15 in a draft, you do it and say thank you to the Hockey gods. If they have that kind of conviction on the pick, I will be be thrilled. All things being even, I'd take one of the power forwards.

Go Rangers!