The New York Rangers only made six selections in the 2022 NHL Draft.
All six draft picks have made their way to development camp in the hopes of making a solid first impression. Bryce McConnell-Barker and Vittori Mancini are two players from two different backgrounds, but are both looking to give everything they have for the Rangers.
McConnell-Barker was selected in the third round and 97th overall. In 68 games in the OHL last season, the 18 year old totaled 49 points and finished third on the team in goals. While the left-hander is known to be an overall play-maker, his excitement of being drafted by a playoff team like the Rangers is through the roof.
“New York is a top notch organization and I’m honored to be drafted here. So far just to see their facility, we went to Madison Square Garden just to see that it is unreal. I’ve really enjoyed the week so far and everyone has been great to me.” McConnell-Barker said.
The forward was playing for the Greater Ontario Junior League before moving on to the OHL in 2020. At just 18, McConnell-Barker is getting his first taste of professional hockey in Rangers camp this week.
“It’s been fun so far. Getting to meet all the prospects has been great. Just getting to know everyone. Out here the pace is high, the compete is high so there are good intense skates which I’m enjoying. It’s been a good week so far.”
Mancini joins college group with Rangers
Vittori Mancini on the other hand is in college at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In 38 games played, the 20 year old totaled five points on five assists.
While he is entering his sophomore season with the Mavericks, the defenseman was extremely excited to have his name called on draft night.
“It was really exciting. To be drafted by a team like the Ranges with such a rich history, it’s an incredible feeling.” Mancini said. The defenseman also later added that he has family connections to the state of New York.
“I have a lot of family here. My dad grew up on Long Island so a lot of happy family. It was a relief definitely.”
Mancini was the only defenseman taken in the 2022 NHL Draft by the Rangers. With other defensive prospects such as Nils Lundkvist, Zac Jones and Matthew Robertson, Mancini could find himself competing with a log-jam of prospects for only a few spots.
He’s not deterred from the challenge.
“I’m not to worried about that. I know I’m going to go out and play my game and do my best and in the end, things will take care of themselves.” Mancini said.
Both Mancini and McConnell-Barker are young prospects in New York. While the pressure is not currently there to make an immediate impact, there are still many ways both athletes are looking to improve.
“I’m going to be on the ice a lot and in the gym a lot. I’m going to try to improve my cardio and strength overall so that’s going to be two main focuses in the gym and on the ice this offseason.” McConnell-Barker said.
“I had a good freshman year. I think I want to help contribute even more. The sky is the limit for my game right now. I’m trying to help the team succeed even more.” Mancini added.
Mancini has improved every year that he’s played, and that is not lost on the Rangers front office.
“He’s a good player. He’s defensive minded and I just, over time, have seen him improve every year.” director of player personnel John Lilley said.
As a college player, Mancini joins many others who come to Rangers prospect camp with a similar career projection. In comparison to international players, the Rangers front office has noticed a difference with the college athletes.
“I think you get extra time with college players…maybe an extra year or two. Time is on their side with college players.” Lilley said. The front office executive later emphasized that college hockey players do not have the same wear and tear as opposed to other professional hockey leagues as another advantage.
New York’s 2022 draft class won’t be asked to contribute to the big league club right away but Victor Mancini and Bryce McConnell-Barker are already looking for ways to improve the team’s they are currently on.
For more New York Rangers news, turn to AMNY.com
