Rangers Take on a Slew of Rookie Phenoms in 2023-2024

The Rangers began a rebuild and quickly entered a competitive window in 2019, drafting players such as Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere, and Brennan Othmann.

The original six club was not the only team building through the draft, as opponents seized the same opportunity and will feature game-breaking adolescent talent as well. 

When do the Rangers play these entertaining kids? The Hockey News staff and other journalists help provide scouting reports on some of these players. 

[October 16th, 2023] Logan Cooley (Remy Mastey): "The Arizona Coyotes selected Logan Cooley with the third overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old forward fits the modern NHL perfectly as he has an elite offensive skill set using his blazing speed and soft hands with the puck on his stick to become a dangerous goal scorer. Going into his rookie season, Cooley will have the opportunity to make an impact playing top-six forward minutes and may even see some time on the power play."

[October 12th, 2023] Devon Levi (Belle Fraser): "While Devon Levi hasn’t officially been named the starter for the Buffalo Sabres, he is the future of their goaltending position without a doubt. As a bubble team on the brink of wholly refinding its competitive edge, Levi offers the Sabres stability and raw talent in the net that any squad needs to win when it matters – and he’s only just getting started.

Levi played seven games with Buffalo in 2022-23 after signing his three-year, entry-level contract in March at the conclusion of his final NCAA year with Northeastern University where he backstopped the program for three seasons.

In his junior campaign, Levi posted a .933 save percentage – first in the NCAA – as well as a 2.24 goals-against average and 17-12-5 overall record while the Huskies struggled to find real consistency through 35 games. However, Northeastern always had the chance to win because it had Levi between the pipes.

The 21-year-old’s poise, positioning, and detail-oriented game made him a standout in college hockey, and now, the NHL. Levi moves seamlessly, and speedily, across the crease and leans on his high hockey IQ to read the opponent’s play as it unfolds in front of him. He doesn’t need to be flashy because it seems he’s always in the right spot. Levi, who stands at 6 feet, doesn’t have huge size, but there are rarely openings that he fails to cover.

Levi has come to be known for his TV timeout routine where he sits on his knees in front of the crease and meditates. It’s somewhat funny, yes. But it also shows the strength of Levi’s mental game and is one of the main reasons he’ll be able to handle the NHL. Levi puts a lot of emphasis on being a well-rounded goaltender and has worked on the psychological side of the position as well as the physical."

[October 14th, 2023] Adam Fantilli (Jason Newland): "Adam Fantilli has looked like he belongs so far. He's played in two preseason games out of the four and has managed 2 assists. In the game against the Sabres, there were some rough spots, but he also made some good reads and won some key faceoffs. He and Patrik Laine have developed a friendship off the ice, that everyone hopes translates into chemistry on the ice. So far Adam Fantilli looks as advertised."

[November 18th,2023] Luke Hughes (Kristy Flannery): "When you come in with that much skill, it's impressive," said defenseman Brendan Smith during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. "He and his brothers skate better than 90 percent of NHL players, and that's incredible as your first couple of games. There are areas that he'll learn from playing more games, and he'll continue to get better, but the sky is the limit with him. To come in and kind of look the part is really impressive."

[November 20th,2023] Jason Robertson (Sports Forecaster): "Knows how to find openings in an opponent's defense and get his shot away quickly, but he is also a fine playmaker who can keep defenses honest." Robertson posted 46 goals, 63 assists, and 109 points last season. 

[December 5th,2023] Tim Stutzle (Steve Warne): "With the injury to Josh Norris last season, the Senators had to lean hard on Stutzle, who responded with a 90-point season. Still only 21, Stutzle can completely take over a shift with his quickness, puck skill, and creativity, which are already among the best in the game. Now he's shown up at camp with a harder shot, looking even stronger and more confident, so it's hard to imagine we've seen his best yet."

[December 29th, 2023] Mackie Samoskevich (David Dwork) "Mackie Samoskevich is probably the best non-NHL prospect the Panthers currently have. His puck skills are elite, and he doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas of the ice. He’s also a strong skater and is proving that the explosiveness he showed in college may very well translate to the pro level. As he continues to get stronger and better acclimated to pro hockey, his game should evolve. One thing Samoskevich has shown from a young age is a high hockey IQ and willingness to learn and adapt, which will suit him well as he transitions into his pro career. " 

[January 4th, 2024] Connor Bedard (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff): "I got to watch Connor McDavid as a junior hockey player and he was incredible. Nothing like him. That was until I saw Connor Bedard for the first time in person during the world junior summer tournament. Between the way he got his release off to how he dangled past defenders, he made the game look effortless. The best players can make any situation look easy, and Bedard does it better than most. It's hard to find a flaw in his game. He's not afraid to hit either, which is rare for his age. He's going to be special."

[January 6th,2024] Cole Caulfield (The Curfew Boys Podcast): "This is the season we’re all hoping to see Caufield truly break out. The initial worry was that he wasn’t going to be the same after his season-ending shoulder surgery, but he says his shoulder is stronger, he feels great and he looks ready to go. With 26 goals in 46 games last season, it put him on pace for 46 goals in a full 82-game season; which is something we’re all expecting and hoping. Montreal hasn’t seen a 40-goal scorer…let alone a 50-goal scorer since Stephane Richer in 1989-90."

Excitement is in the air for another NHL season. As the summer quickly fades away, all the attention will be on these phenomena.