The New York Rangers significantly reinforced their defensive prospects, particularly on the left side, during the second day of the NHL Draft on Saturday. Five of the team's nine selections were left-shot defensemen, aimed at addressing a key area of need within the organization's depth chart.
Following the selection of Alberts Smits on Friday, the Rangers continued to focus on the blue line, adding four more left-shot defensemen throughout Day 2. Among these picks were Benjamin MacBeath, chosen 64th overall from the Western Hockey League, and Charlie Morrison, selected 77th overall from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
MacBeath, an 18-year-old who described himself as a two-way defenseman with an ability to join the rush, is committed to play for the University of Denver next season. He highlighted the coaching staff, winning culture, and proximity to family as reasons for his NCAA choice.
John Lilley, the Rangers' director of player personnel and amateur scouting, stated that the team's draft strategy followed a best-available-player approach. "Sometimes it's just the way the list falls," Lilley explained. "This year it certainly seemed a little D-heavy anyway. And we ended up with those left-shot ‘D,’ but it was the way the list went and to deviate from it... just kind of goes against what you’ve tried to build the entire season with your list."
The Rangers also added size to their defensive pool with the selection of Andre Mondoux in the sixth round, 162nd overall. Mondoux is expected to play in the OHL next season before heading to Notre Dame in the fall of 2027.
In addition to defensive reinforcements, the Rangers addressed their goaltending depth by selecting Danai Shaiikov from the QMJHL at No. 67. With expected departures of netminders Hugo Ollas and Talyn Boyko, the team sought to strengthen its goalie prospects. "Scott Clemmensen, who is our goalie scout, really valued this young man [Shaiikov] in Gatineau," Lilley noted. "He’s athletic. He’s very competitive. He doesn’t give up on pucks, and he had a lot of work this year. … He’s a battler with a lot of skills and quickness."
Further forward additions included Slovakian center Tomas Chrenko, drafted at No. 77, who described himself as a creative playmaker with a high hockey IQ. The team also selected left wing Spencer Bowes at pick No. 102. Bowes recorded a career-high 23 goals and 42 points in 67 games last season in the Ontario Hockey League, with quick feet and pace noted as key attributes.
Rounding out the draft, the Rangers took right wing Darian Anderson from the OHL at No. 163. Anderson posted 20 goals and 45 points in his first 60 OHL games last season. "I think we checked a lot of boxes and got a lot of players that our scouts are passionate about," Lilley said of the draft class. "I’m really excited and I know the guys in the room worked extremely hard."