After falling two spots in the NHL Draft Lottery earlier this week, the New York Rangers hold the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft. The biggest question now is who will make the call on which player is selected — and what direction that decision-maker wants to take.
The organization’s draft identity has varied depending on who holds the pen. If general manager Chris Drury has final say and sway, history suggests he leans toward NCAA talent. If John Lilley, New York’s head of amateur scouting, makes the selection, the expectation shifts toward a strict best-player-available approach.
But then there is coach Mike Sullivan and what he wants in the shorter term for the Rangers. If Sullivan has meaningful input, League sources believe he’ll push for a puck‑moving defenseman—an area he has repeatedly identified as a roster need. Of the three voices, Sullivan’s assessment of the Rangers’ shortcomings is the most pointed.
🏒 How top of 2026 NHL Draft may unfold
If the Rangers choose to stand pat and use the No. 5 overall pick, their options hinge on the first four selections. A projected early board looks like this:
Toronto — Gavin McKenna (F), Penn State (NCAA)
San Jose — Chase Reid (D), Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Vancouver — Caleb Malhotra (C), Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Chicago — Ivar Stenberg (F), Frolunda (Sweden)
That leaves New York with several viable paths at No. 5.
📝 Five candidates who fit Rangers needs
Keaton Verhoeff — Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Keaton Verhoeff — D, North Dakota (NCAA): A 6‑foot‑4 defender with shutdown potential and pro-ready size. Scouts question whether his offensive ceiling is high enough to project into a top‑four role.
Daxon Rudolph — D, Prince Albert (WHL): A physical, two‑way force with high-end offensive instincts and a heavy shot. At 6‑foot-2 and more than 200 pounds, he’s drawn comparisons to elite modern defenders. The Rangers haven’t drafted from the WHL since 2021, though the reason remains unclear.
Tynan Lawrence — C, Boston University (NCAA): A transition driver with elite speed and strong hockey sense. Fits Sullivan’s demand for two‑way competitiveness, though he can force plays under pressure.
Oliver Suvanto — C, Tappara (Liiga): A fast‑rising 17‑year‑old already listed at 6‑foot-3 and 209 pounds, Suvanto is No. 3 on Central Scouting’s draft rankings for international skaters. Set to play in Finland’s top league next season. Scouts compare him to Anton Lundell, with one calling him the best Liiga prospect since Aleksander Barkov.
Wyatt Cullen — F, USNTDP: A high‑upside scorer with strong compete level. At 5‑foot-11, size is the lone concern. The son of longtime NHLer — and former Rangers center — Matt Cullen is committed to Minnesota.
📌 If the pick were mine
Rudolph would be the choice. His upside is the highest of any player projected outside the top four, and he has the potential to challenge Adam Fox for top‑pair minutes down the road. Rudolph just turned 18 in March, and led Prince Albert with 50 assists and 78 points in 68 games this season. He also tied for second with 28 goals; and in 15 games so far in the postseason, Rudolph has a team-high nine goals and 23 points.
“His hockey and game sense is elite,” Prince Albert general manager Curtis Hunt recently told Sportsnet. “His skill level is elite. He’s going to have a hell of a career.”
Suvanto is the second option here, addressing the organization’s long‑standing need for a true top‑six center. Plus, he aligns with Sullivan’s vision for a more competitive, two‑way roster.
Left-shot defensemen Carson Carels and Alberts Smits were not considered here simply because the Rangers have more depth at that position. However, don’t count out either of those top draft prospects when it’s time for the Rangers to make their selection at No. 5.
🧭 The real question: Who gets the final say?
The Journal News-Imagn Images
If Drury is sincere about a “true retool,” then he and Lilley must give Sullivan meaningful influence over the pick. The coach was clear about what the Rangers roster lacks — Sullivan’s comments on breakup day made that obvious.
If the Rangers want to build a roster that fits Sullivan’s system, the draft is the best place to start.
Jess Rubenstein is a longtime New York Rangers prospect analyst, who’s covered their future talent since 2004. A graduate … More about Jess Rubenstein
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