With The 28th Pick In The 2012 NHL Entry Draft The New York Rangers Select...

...Nail Yakupov!

Just kidding.

After falling to the New Jersey Devils the New York Rangers are drafting in their lowest first round pick in team history in the 28th spot. This causes a dilemma for Draft prognosticators and fans who want to prepare for the Draft because there are so many options for the Rangers to choose from when it comes right down to it.

But never fear good people of Blueshirt Banter, because we will have coverage of who we think are the top candidates to be the newest member of the New York Rangers. As for now though, I'm gonna give you a small sampling of just a few of the players that Gordie Clarke and his team of Black Magic workers and scouts may be selecting in Pittsburgh.

Let's get this show on the road shall we?

#1. Stefan Matteau: 6'1 210 lbs LW, USNTDP. Shoots: Left

Stefan Matteau is possibly the favorite pick for many mock Drafts for the Rangers. The 6'1 winger is the son of Ex-Ranger Stephane Matteau and many scouts have been lauding Stefan's speed, strength and size as being built as the "prototypical" power forward.

#2. Nicolas Kerdiles: 6'0 200lbs LW, USNTDP. Shoots: Left

Another big, smooth skating power forward. Kerdiles may seem like a clone of Matteau but some scouts say he has the better offensive upside in his game and has proven that he can put up the points as evidenced by leading Team USA in scoring during the U18 World Championships.

#3. Tanner Pearson 6'0 198lbs LW, Barrie Colts (OHL). Shoots: Left

Tanner Pearson is a pure shooter. He may have the size and body of a power forward but he plays the game more like a sniper (37G 54A 91PTs in 60 games with Barrie last year). Pearson isn't ranked as high as some other notable scorers but if he falls to the 28 pick I would love to see the Rangers pick him up.

#4. Colton Sissons 6'1 189lbs RW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL). Shoots: Right

The captain of the Kelowna Rockets is a player that projects into that Ryan Callahan/Brandon Dubinsky model of a solid two-way forward with no eye popping talents but plays in all areas of the ice and fits into the organization role of being a leader on and off the ice.

#5. Thomas Wilson: 6'4 203lbs RW, Plymouth Whalers (WHL). Shoots: Right

Thomas Wilson is a big boy up front standing at 6'4 and he plays a very strong, physical game with tools to develop into a solid power forward if he works on his offensive consistency.

Those are my five targets for the Rangers to go after on June 22nd. What do you guys think? Should the Rangers try to trade up? Is there a certain prospect you have your eyes on? Tell us in the comments.

Who should the Rangers draft with the #28 pick?