The New York Rangers are officially locked into the No. 5 overall pick after failing to move up in either draft lottery, and their second first-round selection has now been finalized following the Conference Finals results. While the Rangers already knew they would receive Dallas’ pick after the Stars were eliminated, the exact placement depended on how other remaining teams finished their playoff runs.
As part of the K’Andre Miller trade, New York was set to receive the better pick between Dallas and Carolina. With the Hurricanes advancing to the Eastern Conference Final, that pick slid later than Dallas’, confirming that the Rangers will also select at No. 26 overall. Since early playoff eliminations are ordered by reverse regular-season point totals, the final draft slot is now clear.
This time of year is when mock drafts begin to take shape, though predicting late first-round selections is especially difficult. One unexpected pick can send players tumbling down the board, triggering trades and creating chaos throughout the rest of the round.
One projection has the Rangers selecting WHL forward Mathis Preston at No. 26. Preston appeared in 36 games this season, tallying 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points. Measuring 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, he currently plays for the Vancouver Giants after previously skating with the Spokane Chiefs.
Another projection points to Simas Ignatavicius, a 6-foot-3, 198-pound center playing professionally in Switzerland. His size fits what the Rangers are trying to add down the middle, but his limited track record makes projecting his long-term impact difficult. Ranked 38th overall by Elite Prospects, selecting him at 26 could be considered a bit early.
If the Rangers don’t see a perfect fit on the board, they also have the option to use the No. 26 pick as a trade asset. Whether it’s bundling picks to move up or maneuvering elsewhere in the first round, New York has flexibility. With a top-five selection already secured, the Rangers are well-positioned to be aggressive as draft day approaches.