By Ashley Scharge
NEW YORK, NY — The New York Rangers’ first pick of the 2025 draft came in the second round. The team selected left winger Malcolm Spence as the second pick, No. 43 Spence 6’2 201 Ibs. Collected 32-41—73 65 GP to finish third on the Otters in scoring and tied for second in goals, he finished the regular season with points in 15 of his last 16 contests and went on to average a point per game in the postseason (4-5—9 in 9 GP).
Image Credit: NHL
Scouts Report: Not a flashy player. Flies unnoticed until the crucial moment in the game. A strong skater with crafty puck skills and a very high competition level, which makes him a very versatile and valuable team player who makes the difference in winning games. He utilizes his high-end smarts and puck skills effectively while playing at pace. A skilled forechecker restricts opponents’ time and space. Very tough to handle when playing at speed and battling down low in one-on-one play. Solid and reliable defensively and when on the penalty kill. A potential 2025 standout, this high-value player is an underrated game-changer. Was a projected first-round pick, While representing Canada in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Spence scored the game-winning goal in overtime with seven seconds remaining to win gold for Canada. His teammates with the Erie Otters of OHL, are New Ranger, Carey Terrance, and the first pick in the NHL draft Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders.
After the draft, Spence told the media, “I’m really excited and think it’s cool to play for the NY Rangers at Madison Square Garden.” His sister, Carmen Spence, graduated Pace University, in New York City.
The Rangers had another pick in the third-round pick, 70 overall, Sean Barnhill, 6’6” 214 Lbs, a Defenseman from Scottsdale, AZ, who played for Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL. a Defenseman from Scottsdale, AZ, who played Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL. He scored four goals and eight assists in 54 games, earning 12 points and played college hockey at Northeastern University.
Scouts Report: With a deep, balanced stance and quick feet, Barnhill denies rushes and then jumps up into the play. He matches the footwork of smaller, high-skill attackers with ease, and he rarely overextends. The skating appears most in his rush defence, where he makes some high-level stops with his feet moving after taking away the middle.
Image Credit: NHL
The Rangers had another pick in the third round and selected Artyom Gonchar, 89th overall, a defenseman who played for Magnitogorsk Jr. in the Russia JR league. Posted 7-18—25 in 50 GP during the 2024-25 campaign and led his team in points, goals, and assists (tied) among defensemen. He was one of five players on his team to play in at least 50 games and the only blueliner among that group.
Among all Russian defensemen 18 or younger in the 2024-25 junior league season, his 25 points ranked fourth. His uncle, Sergei, is a defenseman and Stanley Cup champion, 2009 w/ PIT, whom the Capitals selected in the first round of the 1992 NHL Draft 14th overall. He then played a 1,301-game NHL career, recording 220-591—811 across 20 seasons with the Capitals, Bruins, Penguins, Senators, Stars, and Canadiens from 1994 to 95 to 2014-15.
Scouts Report: His skating is impressive, showcasing a smooth glide and strong acceleration. After just a few strides, he reaches full speed. His hands and feet work in harmony, enabling him to skillfully pass the puck, even when an opponent is nearby. He plays with composure, ease, and strong self-assurance. His confidence with the puck is evident, as he often takes the necessary time to make smarter decisions. Relies on stick-to-stick defense and intelligent positioning. His development has been straightforward and fast. He advances the puck quickly and plays with a heads-up approach. Makes sound choices under pressure, exhibiting good instincts in all zones to create effective plays. He takes on the role of quarterback during power plays, and his movement along the blue line is active and vigilant. He can turn, stop, and accelerate intelligently. He delivers pucks accurately on target, and his release is sharp.
In the 4th round,111 overall, the Blueshirts picked Mikkel Eriksen, a 5-11, 187 lb center from Norway, who played for the Farjestad in the Swedish Jr league. He scored 40 goals and had 22 assists for 43 points.
Scouts Report: Eriksen’s soft skills are his standout qualities. This attacker is deceptive; he conceals his plans from defenders, forcing them to reveal their strategies before he adapts his own. He’s good at slowing the pace of the game down and delaying, waiting for the best play to present itself before executing. –
His Uncle is Espen Knutsen, who played for Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets from 1997 to 2004 playing in 207 Games, 30 goals 81 assists 111 points for his career.
In the fifth round, 139th overall, the Rangers selected Zeb Lindgren, a 6-1 198 lb mobile defenseman who played for Skelleftea Jr. in the Swedish JR league. Despite playing five games in the Swedish Hockey League, he primarily played in Sweden’s top league during the 2024-25 season and junior league where he posted 4-15—19 in 38 GP. He ranked third in points, assists, and goals among his club’s defensemen. Helped his team win silver in Sweden’s junior league in 2024-25 after capturing gold in 2023-24. Earned a bronze medal for Sweden at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and silver at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge: he scored, one of three Swedish defensemen to do so.
Scouts Report: A well-sized, defensively minded blueliner with steady positioning and a safety-first approach in his own zone. His skating is developing nicely, and he combines good mobility with a strong frame, showing flashes of play-driving ability. He excels in simple, structured defensive situations and makes effective breakout passes, especially long ones under pressure. His play in the penalty kill and physical presence around the net are noticeable strengths. Inconsistencies arise when he tries to do too much offensively or misreads situations, particularly in high-level international games. Has shown flashes of creativity and offensive instincts but sometimes looks tentative. Has been trending upward, showing more confidence, assertiveness, and engagement. Capable of being a dependable two-way player. defenseman, but refining his decision-making and assertiveness will be key to reaching his full potential.
In the sixth round, 166th overall, The New York Rangers selected Samuel Jung, 6-3 172 Lbs, a right winger, who spent the last three seasons in the Finnish League for Karpat in 44 games, scoring 22 goals, 10 assists and 50 penalty minutes
Scouts Report: N/A
Another Round 6, pick 171 overall, the Rangers selected was Evan Passmore, a defenseman listed at 6-5 212 Lbs who played with the Barrie Colts of OHL. In 62 games he scored three goals eight assists 11 points and had 58 penalty minutes
Scouts Report: With his impressive range, Evan Passmore times pokechecks with precision, angles attackers to the wall, and brings plays to a halt. What makes his stickwork so effective is his understanding of that range. He allows opponents to exhaust their dekes and then counters with a well-timed swipe. Once he separates them from the puck, he envelops it, walling it off entirely.
In the final round of the 2025 NHL Draft, Felix Färhammer, a 6-1 185 Lb defenseman from Stockholm, Sweden.
Scouts Report: Färhammar is an active two-way defenceman with puck-moving ability. He has a physical edge to his game and plays the body whenever possible, creating breakups along the wall through pins and preventing multiple scoring chances from the slot across our viewings. A mobile defenseman and a two-way defenseman.
John Lilley, the New York Rangers’ director of player personnel and director of amateur scouting, said after the draft via zoom, “We’re happy with our draft, We have a process in place, We prepare as if we’re going to pick Number 1, because on draft day, So our process takes the entire year all the thru yesterday we still debating players and talking about players.”
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