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…

Lucas Lessio

HT: 6-1

WT: 196

Pos: LW

Shoots: L

Birthday: 1/23/93

Team: Oshawa, OHL

2009-2010 stats: 30g, 42a, 41gp, 87PIM (St. Michaels, Jr. A)

2010-2011 stats: 27g, 27a, 66gp, 66PIM, +8

2010-2011 playoffs: 5g, 4a, 10gp, 6PIM

NHL.com profile >

Ranks:

The Hockey News: 54

CSS: 46 Midterm Rank: 44

ISS: N/A

TSN: 38 Midterm Rank: 29

TSN (Craig Button): N/A

The Scouting Report: 42 Midterm Rank: 40

Bruins 2011 Draft Watch: NR

Corey Pronman: 55

ESPN: 48

Highlight Reel >

What They’re Saying:

THN – “It took Lucas Lessio a year to decide where he wanted to play and the Generals are happy he chose Oshawa.  After being named MVP of the OHL Cup in 2009, Lessio was drafted seventh by Niagara, but committed to the University of Michigan.  The Generals acquired his rights and went to work on him while he played Jr. A hockey in 2009-10 and managed to sign him for this season.  Lessio has good speed for a player with his size and scouts like his in-game attitude.  With his energy level and speed, he projects to be more of a checker at the NHL level than a scorer.  ‘There was so much stink about him going to Oshawa that people started to look for things wrong with him,’ a scout said.  ‘But the bottom line is he had a pretty good year.  He’s big, can skate, works hard and can score.’  Lessio is one of three highly rated Generals.  ‘He wows you with his speed,’ one scout said, ‘but I’m not so sure about the rest of his game.’”

The Scouting Report – “Lessio had a pretty average season based on the high expectations he had coming in, but is still entrenched as a very solid early to mid second round pick. The third Oshawa Generals forward on our list, Lessio is a blue-collar winger who competes hard and plays well along the boards and in front of the net. He has agile feet, allowing him to be effective on the forecheck or in the cycle; and while he doesn’t possess elite speed, he can fight through checks with his powerful stride. Lessio does a lot of little things well to generate offensive chances, but lacks the high-end finish you would expect from a first-round pick. The end of his season is something he’d like to forget, as he’ll be serving a two-game suspension to start 2011 after his actions following Oshawa’s defeat against Niagara.”

Bruins 2011 Draft Watch – “This kid is big and skilled. There is no questioning his size, speed and offensive prowess when on his game. But B2011DW watched him in a game in January and absolutely despised his compete level and general attitude in that particular contest. On one play, he was tripped, fell to the ice and then chirped at the referee all the way up the ice while his team took off on a 2-on-1. Had he hustled, it would have been a 3-on-1 and might have resulted in a goal. We have no doubt that this kid will appeal to some team because of his myriad hockey tools, but Bruins fans would be wise to cross him off their wish list- we don't see it happening. Even so, he's near the top-50 because of his potential upside and will likely be a second-rounder, maybe even a late-first. But if this draft is pick your flavor, B2011DW chooses to pass on him.”

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: Controversy seems to follow this speed demon.  His wheels are his greatest asset, but he doesn’t appear to have a whole lot else going for him.  Lessio put up decent numbers in his first OHL season, but scouts don’t really rave about his offensive upside.  The Rangers will be looking for a more dynamic player.

New York drafted Michael Del Zotto from the OHL in the first round in 2008.

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Michael St. Croix >

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Shane Prince >

J.T. Miller >

Nikita Kucherov >

Victor Rask >

Lucas Lessio >