Welcome to another edition of New York Rangers prospect watch.
Each week we will feature three Rangers prospects playing here or overseas and provide you the latest updates, stats, and highlights.
Today we take a look at Zac Jones, Braden Schneider, and Vitali Kravtsov.
New York Rangers Prospect Watch: Zac Jones
Jones, 20, was drafted in the 3rd round in 2019 and had an excellent camp but got caught up in a numbers game. In 18 games with the Wolf Pack, he has registered three goals and 13 points.
Before being sent down, Jones made it clear how he would handle things.
“I think I deserve to play in the NHL,” Jones explained. “If I get sent down, I’m not going to complain about it… I’m going to go down there and work as hard as I can to get myself back up to the NHL.”
If he keeps scoring goals like he did this past weekend against Springfield he should be in the big leagues soon.
Braden Schneider
Schneider, 20, plays a physical brand of hockey. He was highly regarded by former GM Jeff Gorton, who admitted he tried to trade up several times to draft him and was ultimately successful. After making a deal with the Calgary Flames, the Blueshirts chose him 19th overall in the 2020 Draft.
“I just want to show that I can play at the highest level,” Schneider said during camp. “I want to show what I got and show that I can play with the big boys.”
At 6-2, 210 lbs he loves to play it tough, but he also has great offensive ability. In 18 games with the Wolf Pack, he’s picked up 7 assists and a +10 rating.
Vitali Kravtsov
Kravtsov, 21, is playing really well for Traktor in the KHL. In just eight games, he’s already picked up five goals to go with one assist.
He was selected by the Rangers in the 2018 Draft, 9th overall. His situation and fallout with the organization is well documented. Chris Drury will not rush a trade, but he is expected to be moved at some point this season or no later than the 2022 NHL Draft.
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