With the 2025 NHL Draft a week behind us, it is time to grade each pick that the New York Rangers made, as well as to give the team an overall grade. We will go over each pick in depth, discussing the pros and cons of each player, and the potential they can bring to the Rangers.
Ranked by many as a potential first-round pick, the Rangers selected Malcolm Spence with the 43rd overall pick. He had a fantastic season with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing alongside first-overall selection Matthew Schaefer. In 65 games, Spence recorded 32 goals and 41 assists for an impressive 73 points. At 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, the left-winger from Mississauga is described as having an exceptional motor and playing with relentless defensive intensity.
Related: Rangers Draft Malcom Spence 43rd Overall
What stood out most to me was his laser-accurate shot and quick release, which makes it difficult for goaltenders to react in time. Combined with his strong physical presence and high hockey IQ, Spence looks like a potential steal for the Rangers. With a few more years of development in the OHL, followed by some seasoning in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Spence has the tools to grow into a key power forward at the NHL level.
Sean Barnhill: C-Minus
With most scouting agencies ranking Sean Barnhill in the third round, it was surprising to see the Rangers select him with the 70th overall pick. Even after taking a closer look into Barnhill’s style of play, I still don’t fully understand the selection. Yes, he stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 205 pounds, and he’s regarded as a strong skater for his size. He is also a right-handed defenseman, which is a valuable asset in the NHL. But Barnhill managed only a mere four goals and 11 points in 54 United States Hockey League (USHL) games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.
Committed to Northeastern University for the 2026-27 season, he will most likely play another season in Dubuque before making his way over to Boston. Given his development timeline, I expect the Scottsdale, Arizona, native to play a full four years with Northeastern, so it may be quite a while until we see him in a Rangers uniform. However, I think there is a lot of room for Barnhill to improve offensively, which is why I am giving this selection a C-minus.
Artyom Gonchar: B-Minus
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