The New York Rangers have locked in the 26th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, a pick that originally belonged to the Dallas Stars before being acquired in a mid‑season trade. The selection comes as the club prepares to use its first‑round choice, the fifth overall, most likely on a defenseman, while the later pick is viewed as an opportunity to shore up depth at center.
General manager Chris Drury has indicated that the organization is targeting a center who can complement the team’s emerging core, especially after a season that highlighted a need for more depth down the middle. The 26th slot sits in a crowded portion of the draft, where a mix of forwards and defensemen could be on the board.
Scouting the Available Talent
Among the prospects who could still be available at that spot, a handful of centers have drawn particular attention. Tomáš Chrenko, a Slovak forward known for his high‑level production, is praised for his skill set but raises questions about his size and whether he will need to adjust to a wing role at the next level.
Alexander Command, a Canadian center who has been a favorite of many scouts, is projected to be selected earlier than 26, making his presence at that spot unlikely. By contrast, Maddox Dagenais, the top pick of the 2024 QMJHL Draft, offers a massive, physical presence that could translate well to the professional game.
Jack Hextall, another center on the radar, is celebrated for his offensive instincts, though some analysts wonder whether his upside will be enough to justify a mid‑first‑round slot. Other names surfacing in the conversation include Simas Ignatavicius, a fast, large‑bodied player who could be a late‑first‑round consideration, and Nikita Klepov, a small but slick winger who topped the OHL in points this season.
The discussion also extends to players such as Ilia Morozov, who projects as a bottom‑six center, Brooks Rogowski, a high‑upside forward whose intensity remains under scrutiny, and Liam Ruck, a high‑scoring winger whose skating may be a limiting factor. Defensemen like Markus Ruck, Tommy Bleyl, Adam Goljer, William Hakansson, and Juho Piiparinen add further depth to a pool that scouts describe as both talented and unpredictable.
Caleb Malhotra, a forward from the United States development program, has also entered the conversation, though his profile remains more project‑based than that of the more established names.
What It Means for the Rangers
Opinions among analysts diverge on which of these players will ultimately be the best fit for the Rangers, but the consensus is that the 26th pick will likely be used to address the team’s center depth while also adding a versatile piece that can grow into a regular role. The final decision will hinge on how the club weighs size, skill, and projected development against the broader needs of the roster.