As the hockey season moves forward, the New York Rangers find themselves positioned to select third overall in the 2026 draft, creating a pivotal moment for shaping the franchise’s future. With key prospects like Ethan Belchetz, Mathis Preston, and Carson Carels drawing attention, the Rangers face important choices that could redefine their lineup as they focus on addressing critical team needs.
Current Draft Landscape and Potential Picks
According to Tankathon projections for the February update of the Draft Radar Scouting Report, the Rangers are slated to pick third overall this summer—a spot that presents both opportunities and challenges. While Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are expected to be the first two players selected, the Rangers at number three must decide whether to target the best player available or focus on positional demands. Potential candidates in consideration include defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, center prospects Tynan Lawrence and Caleb Malhotra, or winger Viggo Bjorck.
This draft position comes with complex decisions. Taking Verhoeff could meet their defensive needs, whereas selecting Lawrence or Malhotra may bolster the center depth the Rangers desperately seek. Alternatively, opting for a winger like Bjorck might fulfill an offensive role but could leave other roster gaps unfilled. Each direction offers its own risks and rewards as the team looks to build a competitive squad.
Progress Updates on Notable Prospects
The series has covered several promising first-round talents, yet this edition concentrates on three players projected within the top 20 picks who have sparked interest based on their recent performances and fit within the Rangers’ strategic vision. These include Ethan Belchetz, a winger with ties to rising star Liam Greentree; Mathis Preston, one of the top defensemen fitting the Rangers’ requirements; and Carson Carels, a versatile center/winger option who could be available through Carolina’s draft slot.
Viggo Bjorck’s Growth in Sweden’s SHL
Viggo Bjorck continues to develop his game in Sweden’s top professional league, the SHL, representing Djurgardens IF. With five goals and six assists in 35 games, he is steadily gaining valuable experience against seasoned competition. His impact extends beyond the scoresheet, as Jimmy Hamrin of Elite Prospects noted:
Björck has been one of the best players on Djurgården since coming back from the World Juniors. He plays big minutes and leads one of the top-lines night after night. Even if his point production isn’t remarkable, he impacts the game at a high level every game.
—Jimmy Hamrin, Elite Prospects
Adam Novotny’s Offensive Surge
Adam Novotny has reached the 30-goal milestone with the Peterborough Petes, contributing 29 assists for a total of 59 points in 48 games. His recent form has been particularly impressive, averaging two points per game over the last six outings, signaling his readiness to make an impact at higher levels.
Tynan Lawrence’s Adjustment to College Hockey
Though Tynan Lawrence’s statistics have been modest, with just one added assist to sit at two points in 13 collegiate games, it is important to consider the challenges of transitioning from the USHL to NCAA hockey in midseason. His early college career may be slow to produce numbers, but a strong playoff showing could significantly boost his draft stock.
Alberts Smits’ Olympic Experience and Upside
Alberts Smits, who previously garnered attention in November, recently showcased his talents on an international stage by competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics at just 18 years old. Given the level of competition featuring professional athletes, his performance was noteworthy. Smits recorded two assists in four Olympic games and currently has 13 points in 38 games for Jukurit in Finland’s SM-Liiga. His burgeoning profile enhances his position as a strong candidate if the Rangers prioritize a defenseman in this draft.
Ethan Belchetz: A Powerful Left Wing with Chemistry
Ethan Belchetz, playing left wing for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, presents a compelling but complex option for the Rangers. While the organization must focus on securing a center to avoid failures in their draft approach, Belchetz’s connection with Liam Greentree, the Rangers’ top prospect, cannot be overlooked if they address their center needs elsewhere. Belchetz has crafted a reputation for being a forceful power forward with a unique blend of skill and physicality that makes him difficult to challenge along the boards.
Scouts have praised Belchetz as a “wrecking ball” and a “unicorn,” someone who dominates puck possession with strength and composure and complements it with a highly lethal shot. During the season, he has amassed impressive numbers, highlighted by a milestone achievement:
He can dangle, snipe and celly ✅Ethan Belchetz continued his impressive season with the @SpitsHockey last night, scoring two goals to give him his first 20 goal season.@FloHockey | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/b64khZbz2E
—Ontario Hockey League @OHLHockey
Belchetz has scored 32 goals and collected 25 assists in 54 games—a point-per-game pace that signifies his value as a significant offensive contributor. Alongside Liam Greentree, he has helped propel the Windsor Spitfires to contention in one of the strongest conferences in the OHL, on par with Nathan Aspinall’s Flint Firebirds.
His recent performances include an 11-point output over the past ten games, highlighted by a two-goal effort against the Sarnia Sting. In that game, Belchetz demonstrated his skating and playmaking ability by orchestrating rushes from the defensive zone and finishing with precision shots, including a power-play goal with a swift one-timer from the right wing side.
This player epitomizes the kind of forward the Rangers aim to develop—a gritty competitor who drives play and produces offensively, armed with impressive hands and a dangerous shot. Although not chiefly known as a playmaker, Belchetz has shown flashes of creating opportunities for teammates, as seen in a notable assist to linemate Jack Nesbitt.
Decisions Ahead for the New York Rangers
With several intriguing prospects under consideration, the New York Rangers approach the 2026 draft with determination and urgency. Balancing positional needs, potential upside, and team fit will be critical, especially given the competitive nature of the NHL and the Rangers’ aspirations to return to prominence. The impending choices will influence the team’s trajectory for years to come, shaping a roster capable of contending at the highest level.
Following the draft, the organization will closely monitor these prospects’ progress as they transition to professional play, determining how best to integrate them within the existing lineup or develop them for future roles. Fans and analysts alike will be watching the Rangers’ strategy unfold, hopeful that the 2026 draft picks will be cornerstones in a revitalized Blueshirts squad.
He can dangle, snipe and celly ✅
Ethan Belchetz continued his impressive season with the @SpitsHockey last night, scoring two goals to give him his first 20 goal season.@FloHockey | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/b64khZbz2E
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 29, 2025
