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Denver University recruit Drew Shore
Now that the 2008-09 season is over, one thing has become abundantly clear for the New York Rangers. The team is in desperate need of offense. Averaging less than 2.50 goals per game last season, the Rangers ranked 28th in the league in scoring, beating out only their cross-town rivals (N.Y. Islanders) and the Colorado Avalanche in this category. Whether it was even strength or the power play, the Rangers had a difficult time putting up points, and the situation failed to improve during the playoffs.
No one on the Rangers scored more than 28 goals last season and the team’s top point producer, Nik Antropov, spent most of the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs before being acquired at the March trade deadline. Meanwhile, Scott Gomez, who led the team with 42 helpers, was the only Rangers player to rank in the NHL Top 60 in assists. As a result, the Rangers could benefit from a playmaking center or a scoring winger.
Since immediate needs can usually be addressed via free agency and/or trades, there is a tendency for teams to select the “best available player” when drafting. Plus, most prospects take time to develop and only a few players from any given class – on average – are capable of instantly jumping to the NHL. That being said, it is still important from a team standpoint to fill gaps in the prospect pool and try to meet organizational needs, whether they are current or longer-term in nature. In the case of the Rangers, a top six forward would be ideal, as there is a lack of prospect depth at this position/level.
This is why I would consider a center like Drew Shore (US-NTDP). Though Shore has gone from a potential top 15 prospect to a top 30 prospect, he possesses the type of game that could make him an attractive choice with the No. 19 pick. For one thing, at nearly 6-3 and 200 pounds, Shore is already built for the NHL and is still filling out his generous frame. Also, his strength on the puck, scrappy play along the boards, ability to work in tight spaces and diligence in all three zones fit right into the Rangers’ system of hard-nose hockey.
Shore’s greatest assets are his flexible hands, keen vision and quality hockey sense. Though he can score when needed, Shore excels as a playmaker, as his precise distribution game and ability to find holes in the defense make him a natural set-up guy. This was evident by Shore’s 32 assists last season, which tied for second on the NTDP-18 team. Simply put, he is a guy who makes those players around him better.
However, one of Shore’s drawbacks is his skating, which is average at best. Fortunately, he helps make up for this shortcoming with his constant hustle and on-ice intelligence. Shore’s anticipation and ability to read the play both take time away from opponents. In other words, while some guys use speed to pressure opponents, Shore uses his head. He has already proven he can compete at the international level, as his 17 points in 17 international games was tied for first on the team.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
G-Cagg’s Eastern Conference Playoff Preview (Round One)
Caggy’s Rumor Mill: Deal Between Rangers and Blues in the Works?
#33 Simon Despres – The Hockey Spy’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft Rankings
Game Preview: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins
Hockey Links and a Chicago Detroit playoff preview
The New York Rangers Will Not Make the Playoffs
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