Major development has surfaced in the New York Rangers acquiring a franchise altering defenseman
Photo credit: FC Hockey
The New York Rangers' blue line has been worn out through attrition and trade, and could use a bit of refreshing during the summer. One way of doing so is drafting and developing a top defenseman like Matthew Schaefer.
If the Rangers do the end-of-season and have a top-10 first-round pick, they'll have to consider the options available. There's James Hagens, Michael Misa, and defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
A highly-touted defensive prospect, the Rangers should keep an eye on as the season continues to wind down.
The Rangers' defensive depth looks quite thin lately, and a player like Schaefer to Adam Fox's left could improve the blue line significantly.
This season with the Erie Otters, in 17 games played, he's scored 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) and a +21.
"Schaefer is a complete player. He's a massive threat off the rush with his pace and puck skill and sees the ice exceptionally well when distributing on the power play. He's engaged defensively and is one of the most competitive and mature prospects in the draft class.
Schaefer would also find success playing in the World Junior Championships, scoring 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in two games.
Not bad for a defenseman at all.
For modern NHL defenseman, being a part of the rush is a plus as players like Adam Fox, and Cale Makar contribute at both ends of the ice.
Schaefar can not only play on the top-pair at his prime, but could quarterback a power-play which is a valuable skill any NHL team treasures.
For now it seems doubtful that Schaefar would drop deep into the draft where the Rangers could pick.
But if they can snag him up at a value, they should covet the 6'2" defenseman, given how thin this season's draft class is, you have to imagine highly-skilled players like Schaefer will go at a premium.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 899 ANSWERS Major development has surfaced in the New York Rangers acquiring a franchise altering defenseman Do you think the New York Rangers should draft defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters? | ||
| Yes | 719 | 80 % |
| No | 180 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
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