The Rangers took Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko with the second overall pick in the NHL Draft on Friday night.
This year's draft was considered to be a two-starclass at the top, with American center Jack Hughes and Kakko above the rest.
Kakko was always considered second-best to Hughes, who went first overall to the Devils, but Kakko played against grown men in Finland’s top pro league and set a record for a draft-eligible player with 22 goals in 45 games. Then he led Finland with six goals at the World Championships, helping the Finns win the gold medal and sparking a debate as to whether he should be the top pick.