Quick 2012 Ranger Draft Recap

Gordie Clark, Glen Sather and the rest of the Ranger brass went to Pittsburgh and came away with four Future Blue.

Last year Sather swapped his sixth rounder from this draft for Nashville's sixth rounder in that one and this time around he made two more moves with the Preds for picks. He got a third round pick for next year and a fifth round pick in this draft for this year's third rounder and a fifth next summer. Got all that?

While it is highly unlikely we will see any of the kids that were called in Consol for the next two, three seasons, let's take a lil' look at 'em anyways:

Brady Skjei - 1st round, 28th overall - You can never have enough defensemen, right? Especially ones that are favourably compared to Ryan McDonagh... Skjei is headed for Minnesota, where he will hopefully take the next step towards becoming a NHL defenseman. Keith Ballard, Paul Martin, Alex Goligoski, Erik Johnson, and Stu Bickel all played at Mariucci Arena since the millennium, showing how the Golden Gophers program can produce capable defenders.

Cristoval “Boo” Nieves - 2nd round, 59th overall - As Matt mentioned in the preview, Boo dominated the draft combine so he should be able to handle Camp Tortorella (should the coach still be around when the kid comes out of Michigan). While it will be a while before be becomes a Ranger, Nieves will grace the Garden ice this year when he skates for the Wolverines against Cornell on November 24th. Red Berenson is a former Ranger and a brilliant coach who bequeathed us Ortmeyer and Hagelin so there is cause for faith. Matt, an avowed UofM fan, offered more: "The one knock on him is he's too much of a perimeter player at times, Red will work on that though. His hands are silky smooth, Rangers have not had a prospect with the stick-handling control that Boo possess."

Calle Andersson - 4th round, 119th overall - Reports about Andersson read like he is a right-handed, Swedish version of Skjei - good skating, good size, good vision - just with more of an offensive edge. His dad was a fourth round Ranger pick himself but if Andersson he can follow another Calle's career path - former Cap Johansson - we'll have one workable defender in a few seasons.

Thomas Spelling - 5th round, 142nd overall - The Danish winger did quite well playing against men in his home country's highest league last season. Spelling helped the Herning Blue Fox to the title with four goals and seven assists in the seven-game championship series against Odense, including a goal and two assists in a 4-0 Game 7 victory. While the natural scorer is from the same hometown as Peter Regin and Frans Nielsen (BOOO), he likely won't be facing them for a while - Spelling will spend this season helping Rogle in the club's return to the Elitserien. He is listed at 6'1, 165 so he definitely needs to bulk up if he is to make the leap over the pond eventually.

Surprisingly Clark and company didn't select a single goaltender yet again, which is a bit of a cause for concern. Chad Johnson and Martin Biron are both UFAs and Cam Talbot is a RFO. That leaves Hank, Scott Stajcer and Jason Missiaen - not exactly organizational depth. Stajcer put up personal-best save percentage despite being a backup in the OHL and Missiaen did well as Greenville's starter (ECHL), but both of them are years away from the show. That position will have to be addressed by Sather soon - perhaps by signing camp-invitee Troy Grosenick - but that is a post for another time.

 A Closer Look at the 2012 Ranger Draft Recap: The Quest for Future Stars

The National Hockey League (NHL) Draft is an annual event that offers teams the opportunity to build for the future by selecting talented young players. The 2012 NHL Draft was a pivotal moment for the New York Rangers, as they aimed to bolster their roster with promising prospects. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive recap of the Rangers' draft selections in 2012, analyze the impact of these picks, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding this crucial draft year.

Section 1: The Rangers' Draft Strategy in 2012

The 2012 NHL Draft presented the Rangers with the chance to add talent and depth to their organization:

Picking 28th Overall: The Rangers held the 28th overall pick in the first round, which meant they had to be strategic in their selection.

Building for the Future: With the goal of fortifying their roster for years to come, the Rangers aimed to identify young players with high ceilings.

Scouting and Analysis: The Rangers' scouting team conducted thorough research and evaluations to identify potential draftees.

Section 2: The Rangers' Draft Selections in 2012

Let's take a closer look at the players selected by the Rangers in the 2012 NHL Draft:

Brady Skjei (1st Round, 28th Overall):

Position: Defenseman

Analysis: Skjei emerged as a steady defenseman known for his skating and defensive acumen. He became a valuable part of the Rangers' blue line.

Cristoval "Boo" Nieves (2nd Round, 59th Overall):

Position: Forward

Analysis: Nieves, a skilled center, brought offensive flair to the organization. He developed in the Rangers' system and later made his NHL debut.

Calle Andersson (4th Round, 119th Overall):

Position: Defenseman

Analysis: Andersson, a Swedish defenseman, had potential but faced challenges in transitioning to North American hockey.

Thomas Spelling (5th Round, 142nd Overall):

Position: Forward

Analysis: Spelling, a Danish forward, faced an uphill battle to secure an NHL spot and continued to develop in European leagues.

Sami Noreau (5th Round, 136th Overall):

Position: Defenseman

Analysis: Noreau provided depth on defense, but his journey to the NHL took him through various minor leagues.

Section 3: The Impact of the 2012 Draft Class

The impact of a draft class takes time to materialize, and players develop at different rates:

Brady Skjei: Skjei emerged as one of the Rangers' top defensemen, showcasing his skills on both ends of the ice.

Cristoval Nieves: Nieves made his mark as a reliable center, contributing to the team's depth and versatility.

Calle Andersson: Andersson faced challenges adapting to the North American game and ultimately continued his career overseas.

Thomas Spelling: Spelling's development path led him to European leagues, where he continued to hone his skills.

Sami Noreau: Noreau contributed to the Rangers' minor league affiliates, providing defensive depth.

Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - The 2012 Rangers Draft Class

Let's address some common questions about the Rangers' draft selections in 2012:

Did any players from the 2012 draft class become NHL stars?

Brady Skjei from the 2012 draft class developed into a notable NHL defenseman.

How long does it typically take for draftees to reach the NHL?

The timeline for NHL readiness varies for each player. Some may make their debut relatively quickly, while others require more development time.

What factors contribute to a successful draft class?

A successful draft class is often defined by the quality of players selected and their ability to contribute to the team's success over time.

Section 5: Lessons from the 2012 Draft

The 2012 NHL Draft serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of player development:

Patience is Key: Developing young talent takes time, and some players may require more seasoning in lower leagues before making an impact in the NHL.

Scouting Expertise: A successful draft hinges on the scouting department's ability to identify talent and potential in prospects.

Long-Term Vision: Drafting players is an investment in the future, and teams must balance immediate needs with long-term goals.

The 2012 NHL Draft was a critical moment for the New York Rangers as they aimed to secure talent for the future. While not every player from that class made a significant impact in the NHL, the draft served as a building block for the organization. Brady Skjei, in particular, emerged as a valuable asset to the Rangers' blue line. The draft class of 2012 exemplifies the challenges and rewards of player development in the NHL and reinforces the importance of patience, scouting, and long-term planning in building a successful team.