Draft day is here. Though the Rangers won’t be selectioning 12th overall, having given that pick to Pittsburgh to complete the JT Miller trade. Despite this, there are some intriguing Rangers draft predictions predicated on some rumors that haven’t materialized yet. K’Andre Miller is still with the club and has been a “foregone conclusion” to be traded. The Rangers have at least been kicking tires about the #3 pick with Chicago as well. We will see how this all plays out tonight as we dive into our Rangers draft predictions.
Rangers draft predictions #1: They will pick tonight
The first of my Rangers draft predictions is that they will indeed have a pick tonight in the first round. There are many teams looking to make moves, and aside from Pittsburgh, all of Nashville, Philly, Montreal, San Jose, Columbus, and Chicago have multiple picks in the first round. One of those teams will want K’Andre Miller, and honestly at this point I wonder if Nashville comes knocking with the 23rd overall? It’s possible, but it feels light.
The only way, to me, the Rangers make it back into the first round is if they trade K’Andre Miller, so these are kind of lumped together.
Prediction #2: The Rangers will trade their 2026 1st rounder at this draft
As far as wild Rangers draft predictions go, this is probably the most far fetched. Keeping their 2026 1st round pick right now seems like a no brainer. At the very least, it’s an asset for the 2026 trade deadline if the Rangers are actually in the hunt. But Chris Drury is anything but predictable, and there’s certainly a reason why he held onto the 2026 first rounder over a top-12 pick this year.
There are rumblings that this is going to be an entertaining draft as teams finally have cap space to make moves. Perhaps the Rangers kept their 2026 1st rounder to package with Miller for a top-7 pick? The logic would make sense if we believe the other rumors that the #12 pick didn’t carry as much weight as Drury had hoped.
Does Miller, the 2026 1st, and Brennan Othmann get the Rangers that coveted #3 overall pick to land James Hagens (or Michael Misa should San Jose galaxy brain the 2nd overall)? I’d assume if San Jose takes Anton Frundell, that they pass on this trade and take Misa. If Misa is off the board, then I can see them doing this and the Rangers taking Hagens, making Islanders fans throw things at their TVs. (He’s a local kid who grew up an Isles fan)
Prediction #3: A Will Cuylle extension will be announced tonight
Perhaps not a Rangers draft prediction, but most fans are waiting on bated breath for a Cuylle extension. It’s coming, unless he’s involved in a Jason Robertson trade (not happening). Perhaps in an attempt to deflect bad headlines and social media posts if they do nothing, the Rangers will announce this extension tonight. It will keep the fans happy as Drury executes his perceived “throw things at a wall” plan.
Unfortunately, this won’t be a long term extension. Cuylle will get a bridge deal as the Rangers continue to make the same mistakes for the last 20 years. At some point the Rangers will learn their lesson, but this is not that year. Maybe they prove us wrong, as there is a direct comparable contract with Tom Wilson’s previous deal (not his new one).
What are your Rangers draft predictions? Do you think you’ll be pulling out your hair before the first round is over?
