Prior to the 2017 Entry Draft, the New York Rangers hadn’t had a first round draft pick since 2012. The Rangers had two in the first round in 2017 for the first time since 2004.
This was a result of the Rangers using a win now mentality — trading away their future to try to win a Stanley Cup.
Now, with the Rangers moving in a new direction, with a new focus to build a roster with a new identity the 2018 Entry Draft has the potential to impact the Rangers for years to come.
The three picks they have in the first round this year is an unprecedented number.