Rangers Draft Nine Prospects | New York Rangers News

**Corey** (0:00)
It's June 30th. I'm Corey with the story, and this is New York Rangers News Today, AI powered updates on your squad. The Rangers just added nine new prospects to their organization during the recent NHL draft. They kicked things off in the first round by selecting defenseman Alberts Smits with the fifth overall pick.
Smits is already making history as the highest drafted Latvian ever, and he's got some serious international experience for his age, even playing in the Olympics. Earlier this week, the team continued to build their blue line, grabbing defenseman Ben MacBeath in the second round. MacBeath brings a two-way game and good skating ability, and he's headed to the University of Denver to develop. They also added goaltender Danai Shiaikov, who's known for being athletic and competitive, especially given how much work he saw on a rebuilding team. The third round saw the Rangers pick up three more players. Charlie Morrison, another defenseman, joins the fold and his great uncle played in the NHL.
Then came center Tomas Chrenko, who scored the game-winning goal in his league's finals and led Slovakia in scoring at the World Juniors. In the later rounds, the Rangers snagged some forwards with potential. Spencer Bowes, a left wing, is a smart player who can use his physicality. They also added right-wing Darian Anderson, who had a strong rookie season in the OHL and put up good numbers in the playoffs. Finally, to round out their draft class, the Rangers selected defenseman Ivan Patrikhayev in the seventh round.
He was named Rookie of the Month in the KHL and brings some professional experience to the mix. It's a solid group of young talent ready to start their journey.