Ranking the Top 10 New York Rangers Prospects Following the 2025 NHL Draft — Gabe Perreault Leads a Talented Group.
The New York Rangers, fresh off another pivotal NHL Draft, have reloaded their prospect pipeline with a mix of skill, speed, and positional versatility. The 2025 NHL Draft brought new hope to an already promising farm system, adding depth while also shining a brighter spotlight on some players who have been steadily developing under the radar. This ranking evaluates the organization’s top ten prospects after the 2025 draft, focusing not only on their current potential but also their likelihood to contribute meaningfully at the NHL level. Leading the way is 2023 first-round pick Gabe Perreault, whose growth continues to impress both Rangers management and fans alike.
Gabe Perreault stands atop the Rangers’ prospect hierarchy. Since being drafted 23rd overall in 2023, the skilled winger has continued to elevate his game. Perreault’s offensive instincts are among the best of any young forward in the system. His playmaking, vision, and IQ make him a dynamic threat whenever he’s on the ice. His time with Boston College has only improved his all-around game, including his skating, which was once considered a minor weakness. He’s become more assertive without the puck and continues to show elite chemistry with fellow top prospects in international play. Now considered nearly NHL-ready, Perreault’s upside as a top-six winger with power-play prowess gives the Rangers every reason to be excited. Barring a setback, it’s very possible he makes the NHL roster within the next year, perhaps even as early as training camp this fall.
Just behind Perreault is the Rangers’ newest blue-chip defense prospect, Anton Silayev. The towering Russian blueliner was the club’s top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, selected 14th overall. At 6-foot-7, Silayev brings an imposing presence to the back end, but he’s more than just size. He skates remarkably well for his frame, shows excellent gap control, and has a strong first pass. While his offensive game remains a work in progress, scouts believe there is more untapped potential there, particularly as he becomes more comfortable jumping into the rush. Silayev projects as a shutdown, top-four defenseman who can eat big minutes and play on the penalty kill. Given the Rangers’ need for long-term blue line depth, especially after the trade of K’Andre Miller, Silayev fills a crucial organizational need and could be a foundational piece for years to come.
Next on the list is Brennan Othmann, the 2021 first-rounder who has shown steady progression over the past few seasons. Othmann’s scoring touch, physical edge, and leadership qualities have kept him high on the team’s radar. He spent the majority of last season with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, where he produced at nearly a point-per-game pace. Othmann’s compete level is his trademark—he’s tenacious on the forecheck, unafraid to get to the dirty areas, and boasts a quick release. While he’s been on the cusp of making the Rangers’ roster for some time, this coming season might be his best chance yet. With some spots opening in the bottom six and possibly higher, Othmann could find himself on Broadway sooner rather than later. He’s the type of player coaches love to have—versatile, gritty, and with enough offensive upside to move up the lineup.
One of the more intriguing names on this list is Ryder Ritchie, the Rangers’ second-round pick in 2024. Ritchie had a breakout campaign in the WHL last season and continued his strong play at the U18 World Championship. He’s a deceptive skater with great edge work and puck skills. Ritchie has the ability to play both center and wing, which adds to his value. His hockey sense is apparent in all three zones, and while he’s not the flashiest player, he consistently makes the right plays. What separates Ritchie is his ability to adapt—whether it’s driving the net, killing penalties, or executing on the power play, he can do it all. The Rangers are likely to be patient with his development, allowing him to mature physically and continue refining his game in junior. Long-term, Ritchie could become a reliable middle-six forward with special teams utility.
Goaltending remains a position of strength for the Rangers, and no prospect represents that better than Dylan Silverstein. Acquired in a trade and now firmly embedded in the Rangers’ goaltending pipeline, Silverstein has all the tools to become a legitimate NHL starter. His lateral quickness, rebound control, and mental focus are advanced for his age. After an impressive showing at the World Juniors and a solid collegiate season, he has proven he can handle high-pressure situations. With Igor Shesterkin entrenched as the starter, the Rangers have no immediate need to rush Silverstein. However, his upside is substantial, and he could one day form a dynamic tandem or become a strong trade asset if the organizational need shifts. His trajectory is reminiscent of other elite goaltending prospects who took a few years to develop before becoming starters.
A player who continues to climb the ranks is forward Adam Sýkora. Drafted in 2022, Sýkora is a high-energy winger who thrives on effort and intensity. While his offensive numbers haven’t exploded, his overall game has matured considerably. He’s developed a stronger frame, improved his defensive awareness, and consistently plays with pace. Coaches and scouts praise his motor—he’s relentless on the puck and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Sýkora projects as a bottom-six forward who can be a penalty-killing specialist, but if his offensive production catches up, he could surprise as a complementary scoring winger. Players like Sýkora may not garner headlines, but they often become the glue that holds together a competitive roster.
Another name gaining buzz is 2025 draftee Luca Marrelli. Selected in the third round, Marrelli is a smooth-skating defenseman with strong puck-moving abilities. His transitional game is strong, and he excels at breaking the puck out of his own zone under pressure. While still raw defensively, he has the potential to develop into a second-pairing blueliner who can contribute on the power play. Marrelli impressed scouts with his poise and vision, and his ability to quarterback the play at the junior level shows promise for future roles. The Rangers may give him time in juniors and then in the AHL to round out his game, but his ceiling is higher than most third-round selections, making him one to watch in the coming years.
Defenseman Zac Jones continues to be a valuable part of the Rangers’ prospect ecosystem. Though he has already seen some NHL action, Jones still qualifies as a prospect due to limited games played. His puck skills and offensive instincts are NHL-caliber. The challenge has been carving out a regular role on a crowded blue line. With recent roster changes, the opportunity could finally be there. Jones is particularly effective on the power play and excels in moving the puck through tight spaces. His size limits his physicality, but his hockey sense often compensates. The upcoming training camp may be a make-or-break point in Jones’ quest to secure a full-time role.
At number nine is right-shot defenseman Ty Henricks, another 2025 draft selection who offers a rugged, stay-at-home style. Henricks may not light up the scoresheet, but his value lies in his physicality, shot-blocking, and willingness to do the little things right. His defensive zone coverage is strong, and he takes pride in shutting down top lines. The Rangers have lacked a true physical blueliner in the pipeline for some time, and Henricks addresses that gap. He’ll likely spend a few years honing his game in college or the AHL, but his long-term projection as a reliable third-pairing or depth defenseman is already evident.
Rounding out the top ten is Finnish forward Kalle Väisänen, a 2021 pick who has made steady progress in Europe. Väisänen is a big-bodied winger who uses his frame to protect the puck and create space. His offensive game is beginning to blossom, especially his shot, which has become a real weapon. He plays a mature game, rarely making careless decisions, and has earned trust in various roles overseas. With his continued development, the Rangers may bring him over to North America within the next year to see how he adjusts to the smaller rink and faster pace. If the transition goes smoothly, Väisänen could eventually become a dependable two-way forward with third-line potential.
Together, this group represents a balanced mix of high-end talent, positional variety, and stylistic diversity. From playmaking wingers like Gabe Perreault to hulking defensemen like Anton Silayev and intriguing netminders like Dylan Silverstein, the Rangers’ prospect pool appears stronger than it has in years. The 2025 NHL Draft only enhanced their outlook, adding valuable pieces that align with both current and future roster needs. With some prospects already knocking on the NHL door and others making major strides in junior and international competition, the Rangers are positioning themselves for long-term success. Whether these players contribute directly to the Rangers or become assets in future trades, their development will be key to the franchise’s sustained competitiveness in the seasons ahead.
