There is no time to waste.
You want the inside scoop on the best Rangers prospects? Here it is via The Maven's Vice President In Charge Of Blueshirts Scouting, Jesse Rubenstein.
LEADING THE PACK: BRENNAN OTHMANN: He's the Blueshirts' answer to Matthew Tkachuk, who happens to be Brenny's role model. Rubenstein says that Othmann – now a left wing – should be on the right side "although he's a natural lefty." And I don't argue with my V.P.
Brennan's virtues are many. "He's lethal inside the right face-off circle," Jesse adds. "He can score and he can create; plus he reminds me of Tkachuk as well. What's more, like Keith, he'll do anything you ask of him."
That includes protecting his teammates and bringing leadership qualities that his teammates like. I appreciate his hard, accurate wrister. Conclusion: He should be in the big club; no question. Hartford would be a downer.
NEEDS MORE TIME AND MORE POUNDS: GABE PERREAULT: The son of former NHLer Yanic has – says Rubenstein – "massive offensive skills." But at 5-11, 165 pounds, Gabe can be pushed around and frustrated.
When Quinnipiac and Denver played him rough, they stopped him – denying time and space. "He needs to improve his lower body," says Jesse, "and add 15 pounds of muscle."
GOOD THINGS IN THIS SMALL PACKAGE: ADAM SYKORA: Although he's the same height and only five pounds heavier than Perreault, the Slovakian ace ranks among the best defensive forwards. His passing is exquisite and penalty-killing of NHL caliber.
"What's holding him back." Rubenstein explains, "is that his offense has not caught up to him since he arrived in North America." On the positive side is that he's super smart and doesn't often get beaten." He needs more time.
KEVIN LOWE REINCARNATED: DREW FORTESCUE: This native New Yorker – of all un-real things – is like the 1994 Rangers Cup-winner, Lowe. He's physical; he's solid, he's smart and stays at home. Mind you he's not averse to scoring and owns a lethal snapshot. Pal Rubenstein adds that he's also reminiscent of bygone NHL blueliner Jay Wells. "You won't see Fortescue caught out of position," says Jess. "Considering that he's a physical player, he behaves himself and doesn't get many penalties. Looking ahead, he needs one more year."
THE HIDDEN PRIZE: NOAH LABA: Chris Drury wanted the Michigan-born center to leave Colorado College and turn pro,but the rugged fella said nix to that. Rubenstein knows why: "He's loyal to his coach who was one of the few who believed in him!" This near-forgotten winner will become a natural top-six center with clutch-ability and a winning face-off touch.
(NOTE TO READERS: Save this article and see how right we are a year from now!)
