New York Rangers: Should we be concerned about Tony DeAngelo?

New York Rangers: Should we be concerned about Tony DeAngelo? by John Cavanagh

Not many fans batted an eye when the Rangers selected Ty Ronning in the 7th round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. A draft that featured Auston Mathews, Patrik Laine, Clayton Keller and more. With that said, it may be time to start paying attention to the youngster.

Ty Ronning has been lighting it up for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL) this season.

You may be thinking, “The WHL? Who cares?” or “Why should I pay attention to a former 7th round pick?”

Well, that 7th round pick currently sits has 36 points on the season. 24 of those points are goals.

In 26 games played…

Ronning is on pace to shatter the single-season goal scoring record for the Giants. The record was set when Buffalo Sabres’ forward Evander Kane scored 48 goals in 2008-09.

Ronning has quickly jumped up the Rangers prospect list and joined the likes of Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson. Although Ronning may not be as NHL ready as many feel those two may be, the 20-year-old has come a long way since his draft day.

When the Rangers selected Ronning, he was only 18-years-old and coming off a 59-point season for the Giants. He didn’t make too many headlines due to his size. Ronning is 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, which is not ‘ideal’ size for the NHL. Regardless, Ronning has the ability to avoid hits, isn’t afraid of playing physical, has great hands, and senses according to elitehockeyprospects.com.

Ronning seems to be a hard-working player who won’t let his size define him. Similar to one of the current Rangers, Mats Zuccarello.

The Canadian models his game after Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau due to both players being similar in size and playing style.

Ronning has also followed the guidance of his father Cliff Ronning, who is connected to Rangers history in an odd way. He was on the Vancouver Canucks team that the Rangers eventually beat in seven games to claim the 1994 Stanley Cup.

Cliff Ronning was also drafted in the 7th round and went on to play 17 seasons for seven teams. He played in 1,137 games, compiling 306 goals and 869 points.

How soon will Ronning be playing for the Rangers?

Rangers fans had the chance to see Ronning in this year’s Traverse City Tournament where he was named the team’s captain. Considering how many of the team’s top prospects were in that camp, it speaks volumes about the organization’s trust in Ronning as a budding leader.

It doesn’t seem like Ronning will be taking the ice at Madison Square Garden in the immediate future. However, fans and management can’t help but be excited with his recent play.

The Rangers have many contracts expiring at the end of the year. Two of those belong to Michael Grabner and Rick Nash. This could pave the way for the young right wing to get a shot next year, or possibly later this season if the team decides to sell off some players.