The Rangers currently have five defensemen under the age of 28 on their roster and two more top prospects on the way, so it’s very likely New York will be looking to add some offensive firepower with its first-round pick, No. 15 overall in the NHL Draft.

Between now and June 24th, we’ll take a look at some of the forwards that the Rangers might be thinking about taking on draft day.  Today, we look at…

Nick Shore

HT: 6-0

WT: 195

Pos: RW

Shoots: R

Birthday: 9/26/92

Team: Denver, WCHA

2009-2010 stats: 19g, 38a, 65gp, 40PIM (USA, U18)

2010-2011 stats: 7g, 11a, 33gp, 37PIM

2010-2011 playoffs: N/A

NHL.com profile > 

Ranks:

The Hockey News: 38

CSS: 56 Midterm Rank: 38

ISS: N/A

TSN: 54 Midterm Rank: 53 

TSN (Craig Button): N/A 

The Scouting Report: 57 Midterm Rank: 37 

Bruins 2011 Draft Watch: 49 

Corey Pronman: 71 

ESPN: N/A

Highlight Reel > N/A

What They’re Saying:

THN – “As one of the few true freshmen in college hockey, Nick Shore had a respectable season for a perennial contender.  The temptation would be to compare him to his older brother and Florida prospect, Drew, but the two are different players.  Drew led Denver in scoring and has more offensive upside.  He’s also bigger than his teammate and younger brother.  But Nick has a more complete game at this point and takes the right approach on the ice.  ‘He’s a hard-working kid,’ a scout said.  ‘He has good enough hockey sense and skill level, but I’d say he’s more of a third- or fourth-line guy.’  Nick will never fill the net, but can fill a role.  ‘He’s a good skater, but he definitely has to get stronger if he wants to play in the NHL,’ another scout said.  ‘He’s not going to be a great scorer, but I do see him as being a good, dependable, two-way guy.  He does almost everything well.’”

The Scouting Report – “This season would have to be considered a bit of a disappointment for Shore, who many expected to be more of a contender to be a first-round pick; rather than fighting to maintain his status as a second rounder. Shore is a solid two-way player who has an above average skill-set and pretty good creativity when the puck is on his stick. He doesn’t quite have the size that his older brother does, but he still has managed to be an effective freshman player without it. He’s gone a little under the radar and should be a nice value pickup in this range.”

Bruins 2011 Draft Watch –“One of the draft's forgotten guys because he was injured and missed a lot of time early on when draft lists forming and buzz building. Not as big as his older brother Drew (might a growth spurt be on the way), a 2nd-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2009. Good skater and hands, but his hockey sense is what makes the younger Shore a worthwhile pick in the second round at the very least. He's underrated mostly because of the missed time and production. We have to remember that he was a freshman this year, and like his brother, could have a significant jump in numbers from one year to the next. Shore plays a solid all-around game and has some upside, too.”

THN.com – “For a college freshman in his draft year, Shore has adapted remarkably well to his surroundings. It’s likely a great help that older brother Drew is also on the squad, but Nick’s 15 points in 19 games are all his doing. Using hockey sense and a good shot, Shore is proving the benefits of having family in Denver.” 

Hockey Spy – “His acceleration is top-notch (brother Drew’s assessment), his top end speed is decent, his shot is better than his brother Drew’s (self-assessment), his face-off ability is above average, he is a good puck distributor, he is defensively responsible and can be used in all situations and brings a decent physicality to his game. However, what makes Nick special is his overall hockey IQ and coachability so you know that he is only going to get better and better. Might a big break-out season be in store for Nick next year. Hint, think about brother Drew’s second season at Denver (this year) before you answer.” 

Corey Pronman – “Those familiar with the prospect world will recognize Nick Shore's last name as he is the brother of top Florida Panthers' prospect Drew Shore. Nick is a solid distributor with the puck, exerting a very calm and calculating manner when he has the puck as well as in how he moves around off the puck. Shore shows decent puck protection abilities and will flash a solid deke move here and there. He's not much of a scorer, displaying a pass-first mentality and even when he gets his attempts the shot tool isn't much. His frame is ok, but he does exert a notable work ethic in the physical department and he really is an asset for his defenseman when the puck gets down low in his zone. Shore gets by on his smarts and that aspect of his game grades out as above-average in both ends of the rink. The skating tool though is pretty bad—below fringe level—and there's not much to write home about in regards to how he moves on the ice with poor results and mechanics.”

Mock Drafts:

Adam Kimelman, NHL.com – N/A 

Mike Morreale, NHL.com – N/A 

Steven Hoffner, NHL.com – N/A 

Deven Persaud, NHL.com – N/A 

TSN.ca – N/A 

Gary Joyce, ESPN – N/A 

Mark Seidel, CBC – N/A 

Hockey's Future - N/A

The Hockey News - N/A

Thoughts: Shore probably doesn’t have the offensive upside to be taken in the first round, but if he’s still there when the Rangers make their second selection, he might be appealing.  New York has been stockpiling high-character college kids in recent years and Shore seems to fit the mold.  His production hasn’t been great, but as a freshman he still has plenty of time to step up.  Outside of his limited point totals, Shore’s game seems to be pretty well-rounded.  He could be a safe pick, although the chance that he becomes a star may be slim.

The Rangers last took a college kid in the first round two years ago when they selected Chris Kreider as No. 19.  Shore’s lack of flashy offensive ability could cause him to drop further than expected in the draft, but he could be an appealing pick for New York.

Season Review:

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Breaking Down The Goalies >

Breaking Down The Offense >

Breaking Down The Prospects >

How Three Free Agent Signings In 2007 Have Shaped The Eastern Conference >

Spotlight On Glen Sather >

Spotlight On John Tortorella >

Rangers Land Tim Erixon: What Does It Mean?

Richards Rumors Swirl > 

More Erixon Trade Fallout >

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Spotlight On Brian Boyle >

Spotlight On Matt Gilroy >

Spotlight On Ruslan Fedotenko >

Spotlight On Brandon Prust >

Spotlight On Bryan McCabe >

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Draft Profiles:

Zack Phillips >

Sven Bartschi >

Mark Scheifele >

Mika Zibanejad > 

Mark McNeill >

Brandon Saad >

Joel Armia >

Nicklas Jensen >

Alexander Khokhlachev >

Tyler Biggs >

Matt Puempel >

Rickard Rakell >

Mario Lucia >

Tomas Jurco >

Dmitri Jaskin >

Phillip Danault >

Rocco Grimaldi >

Ty Rattie >

Daniel Catenacci >

Vladislav Namestnikov >

Nick Shore >