As the 2026‑27 NHL season approaches, the New York Rangers are turning their attention to a carefully curated group of prospects who could soon wear the Blueshirts with regularity. The organization’s scouting department has highlighted three players whose trajectories blend NHL readiness with impressive junior credentials.
A Rookie Net‑Minder Ready to Make His Mark
Dylan Garand, a 24‑year‑old goaltender, burst onto the NHL scene during the 2025‑26 campaign, posting a 1.62 goals‑against average and a .948 save percentage across three appearances. His rapid ascent earned a two‑year contract extension and made him the first Rangers rookie net‑minder to register a point in his first three NHL games since Henrik Lundqvist in 2005‑06. Garand’s résumé also includes a dominant WHL season in which he compiled a 90‑31‑5‑2 record, 12 shutouts and was crowned both WHL and CHL Goaltender of the Year.
The Rangers’ defensive pipeline features Zeb Lindgren, an 19‑year‑old Swedish blueliner drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft (139th overall). Lindgren captained Skelleftea AIK U20 in the Swedish U20 Nationell league, contributing 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 36 games. He signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, positioning him to transition from the Swedish circuit to the North American game under the Rangers’ guidance.
A Scoring Defenceman with a Big‑Shot Future
Ben MacBeath, nicknamed “Beefer,” is an 18‑year‑old defenceman who posted 51 points (7 goals, 44 assists) in 67 games for the Calgary Hitmen during the 2025‑26 WHL season. His performance earned him a finalist spot for WHL Rookie of the Year and a berth at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game. MacBeath was selected 64th overall in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft, a testament to the Rangers’ confidence in his offensive upside and defensive reliability.
The trio’s development is anchored by a network of partner organizations that span North America and Europe. From the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers and Red Deer Rebels to the CHL’s broader umbrella, each affiliate provides a distinct developmental pathway. In Sweden, Skelleftea AIK U20 offers a competitive environment that has already produced NHL‑ready talent. The Rangers’ official channels, including their website at rangers.nhl.com, regularly feature updates on these prospects as they progress toward NHL integration.