Rangers Target Top Defense Prospect

**Corey** (0:00)
On June 7th, the NHL Draft Lottery didn't go exactly as planned for the New York Rangers, who were hoping for a top pick. But picking fifth overall is still a solid spot, and it looks like they're zeroing in on defenseman Carson Carson from the Prince George Cougars.
He's a player who can really boost their prospect pool right away.
Carels had a breakout season in the WHL, putting up 73 points in 57 games. He's a modern defenseman who can contribute defensively, but also plays a strong defensive game. He uses his skating well and has a powerful shot that's already looking NHL ready. He's also built for the pro game, standing 6'2 and playing with a physical edge. He's not afraid to mix it up, which is something the Rangers seem to value. He's set to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota, a great place for him to keep developing. While he's still got some areas to refine, like making smarter decisions under pressure, his overall game is very polished for his age. The college environment should help him round out those rough edges over the next couple of years.
Ultimately, Carels brings a blend of size, skill, and toughness that the Rangers need. He has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman, and even if he doesn't reach that ceiling, he should still be a solid contributor. That's the story for today, New York Rangers News Today, driven by AI. I'm Corey with the story.