Read: Dylan McIlrath Scouting Report (New Posts Under)
Update:10:01PM:
Rangers Report has an interview with McIlrath from the NHL.
In the interview, he says that he met with Dallas and Anaheim.
…The two teams picking after the Rangers. That may be why they couldn’t trade down.
Original Post:
The Rangers took Dylan McIlrath with the tenth overall selection.
He is 6-4, 212 and was ranked 17th by Central Scouting.
He had 7 goals and 17 assists with 169 PIMs last season for Moose Jaw.
“Big and mean, old-time typical NHL defenseman. He scares people not only with some frequent fights he might get in, but with 6-4, 212 lbs. straight ahead speed and offensive ability to match. Often, and in a very complimentary sense, makes puck carriers cut to the other side of the ice with his intimidating size.”
On patterning his game: “Shea Weber, probably, is like the most typical stay-at-home D man. He has a great shot, too, and physical at times. One of my big role models is Travis Hamonic (53rd overall in 2008). He’s come up the ranks right now and he’s helped me along the way. He’s someone I sure look up to.”
Nicknamed the “”Freight Train from Winnipeg” and The Undertaker
In-depth profile from Bruins Draft Watch, compares to Shea Weber at reaching full potential, or Adam Foote.
…What it comes down to is this: The Rangers felt that they needed a big, tough, defenseman, and felt he was the best player they could take there. I would have taken Cam Fowler, but they already have Michael Del Zotto and they are similar players. They could have taken Vladimir Tarasenko — I would have — but the Rangers, Gordie Clark and his staff felt he was the right pick for the team.
It would seem like the Rangers finally took exception to players running into Henrik Lundqvist, and this is the type of guy who prevents that. He may be a couple of years away, but it’s something that they didn’t have.
Again, I wanted Fowler or Tarasenko, but this guy does have a role and fills a need. Also, before you go killing the wrong guy if you don’t like the pick, Gordie Clark made this pick, NOT GLEN SATHER. I am not defending Sather, but Clark runs the draft.
comments: