Dylan McIlrath, the controversial 10th overall selection in the 2010 Entry Draft, had a reputation that preceded him to Broadway. Known as “The Undertaker,” from the moment he fought Calgary’s noted pugilist, Brian McGrattan, in his first NHL game on Dec. 15, 2013, Rangers fans have salivated over the thought of No. 6 patrolling the blue line for a franchise that historically has been light in the heavyweight division.
Sunday night’s bout against Wayne Simmonds in which retribution was gained for the Flyers winger’s concussion-inducing blow against Ryan McDonagh nine days earlier has already elevated the 23-year-old rookie into the conversation concerning the most popular enforcers in Blueshirt history.