Where would The Maven be without Jesse Rubenstein? I'd be ignorant of Rangers prospects; that's where. Jesse is my First (Not Second Or Third) Vice President In Charge of Finding Rangers Phenoms. He's the best and proves it every day, week and month. Remember, when everyone else was sleeping, Rubenstein discovered Victor Mancini in Omaha; months ago. To everyone's amazement – including Mancini's second cousins – The big guy is on the Blueshirts roster. But enough with the kudos; here's the latest from Jesse: Untitled video - Made with Clipchamp 1. BEST RANGERS NCAA PROSPECT: NOAH LABA: The Northville, Michigan center has been burning the ice at Colorado College where he's a Junior. "He nearly doubled his freshman output as a sophomore," notes The Hockey News Yearbook. Rubenstein: "Laba is the best NCAA prospect. He does it all, winning face-off, plays in the defensive zone and scores. The Rangers are trying to get him to turn pro but Noah is loyal to his school. He'll turn pro after this season." 2. BEST RANGERS DEFENSE PROSPECT: DREW FORTESCUE: The gritty Boston College blueliner is a New York, N.Y. product with Big Apple grit. He makes life miserable for the opposition. He's top pair at BC after a good frosh season."I like his size," says Jesse, "and on-ice vision. He plays a clean, physical game but needs more offense." The Hockey News which has him fifth best on its prospect list. "He makes life hard for the opposition and uses his stick well." 3. BEST SON OF A FORMER NHLER: GABE PERREAULT: Believe it or not, The Hockey News picks him as the top Rangers prospect. "He's got oodles of hockey sense and a knack for getting pucks to sticks," reports THN. "He's a brilliant playmaker." At 5-11, 165 pounds, he's small by current standards. So what? "He reminds me of (NHL hero) Marty St.Louis," Jess concludes. BC loves him! 4. MOST RECENT TOP DRAFTEE: E.J. EMERY: "It's a mistake to compare him to K'Andre Miller," warns Rubenstein, "as some already have." The Hockey News likes his physical tools – size, speed and athleticism. "Becoming defensively solid is the next step." Jesse adds that Emery could use a mean streak and more offense. The NTDP product is at North Dakota. Other Hockey News placements: Left wing Brennan Othmann, 2; Left wing Adam Sykora, 4; Center Bryce McConnell-Barker, 6. Left Wing Brett Berard, 7, Goalie Dylan Garand, 8, Center Raoul Boilard, 9. That's all, Folks!
