New York Rangers Land 15th Overall Pick in the 2021 NHL Draft
The 2021 Draft Lottery has a very different outcome for Rangers this year.
Last August, New York Rangers fans got the surprise of the summer as the ping pong ball with the storied red, white, and blue logo exited the machine which meant the organization landed the No. 1 pick, which ultimately became Alexis Lafrenière.
This year the Blueshirts went into the 2021 NHL Draft Lottery with a 1% chance of getting the number one pick again. It was unlikely but still a possibility that the Rangers would get another opportunity for the first overall pick and fans were imagining it happening again. But it wasn’t meant to be.
It's official: #NYR will select 1⃣5⃣th at the 2021 Draft. pic.twitter.com/HjMMsJhfFp
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 2, 2021
It is now official that the Rangers will make the 15th selection overall at the 2021 NHL Draft. The Buffalo Sabres will select first overall, followed by the Seattle Kraken with the No. 2 pick, and so on.
For the second time in four years, the @BuffaloSabres will hold the No. 1 pick in the #NHLDraft. pic.twitter.com/6HKWUwNjiC
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 2, 2021
It is possible that Chris Drury tries to move up in the order of selection with a trade on draft day, July 23rd. The Rangers have plenty of young talent in their prospect pool and can continue to grow that talent. It is also possible the No. 15 pick is moved with someone on the roster in order to get the team closer to playoff contention. This is a summer where anything is on the table.
In the meantime, Drury needs to make the decision as to who will be the new head coach on Broadway. Additionally, the Seattle Kraken will have the 2021 Expansion Draft on July 21st.
This is set to be a transformational and busy summer for the Rangers, and the conclusion of the draft lottery means they are one step closer to the start of the offseason for the rest of the league.
