As the Olympic break wraps up, the New York Rangers are gearing up for a crucial period with the March 6 trade deadline looming. The team is in a retooling phase, looking to trade players for valuable draft capital. Currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers have a real shot at winning the NHL Draft Lottery.
Securing one of the top two draft picks would open the door for the Rangers to select Sweden's Ivar Stenberg, a standout prospect alongside Gavin McKenna. Stenberg's recent performance adds more allure to his potential selection. He just surpassed Niklas Lindholm to become the third all-time leading scorer among draft-eligible players in the SHL, trailing only the legendary Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik.
In just 35 games, Stenberg has climbed the ranks, showcasing skills that echo the Sedins' greatness. His game draws comparisons to Ottawa Senators' Tim Stutzle, and in Sweden, he's likened to stars like Niklas Backstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, and Mats Naslund.
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic highlights Stenberg's impressive skill set: "Ivar’s puck skills, offensive instincts, and hockey IQ are top-notch. He dazzles with his stickhandling, regularly beating goalies with his lethal wrist shot and confident one-timer.
Though not an explosive skater, his agility and speed allow him to play a direct, straight-line game. He’s a creative passer and facilitator, capable of dissecting defenses on the power play.
Off the puck, his instincts shine both offensively and defensively, making him a complete player."
The Rangers currently hold a 22-29-6 record, placing them last in the Eastern Conference. However, they aren't at the very bottom of the NHL standings.
The Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues hold worse records, but with the lottery system, the race for the top pick remains wide open.
For the Rangers, landing a prospect like Stenberg could be transformative. With struggles both at the NHL level and within their minor league system, a player of Stenberg’s caliber would inject much-needed talent and excitement into the franchise. Winning the lottery and drafting Stenberg could be the spark the Rangers need to rejuvenate their roster and energize their fan base.