With their second third round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers selected defenseman Artyom Gonchar. The 6’0, 156 lb defenseman is out of the Russian Junior league, and don’t be fooled by his weight. The kid is going to add muscle, he’s a kid. Gonchar put up 7-18-25 in 50 games last season as he looks to make Metallurg’s pro team, but he has a way’s to go.
Artyom Gonchar is very toolsy. He’s a solid skater with great mobility. He’s easily one of the better skaters in the entire prospect pool. The big concern is with his weight, and the hope is he puts on some serious muscle. Without it, he won’t survive as an NHL defenseman. But he’s a kid after all, so putting on weight is a need for most of these kids coming out of the draft.
If he puts on the appropriate weight and strength, Gonchar is likely a bottom pair puck mover. If not, he’s probably not destined for NHL play. The Rangers are banking on the former.
