Ranger GM Jeff Gorton talks about the draft
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

New York Rangers GM Jeff Gorton comments about the opportunities available on the eve of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, specifying the “future.”

New York Rangers GM Jeff Gorton meet with the media on Thursday night and let everyone know what the team’s game plan is going into Friday’s NHL Draft in Dallas.

“Yes, we intend to use them but they are in play. As of right now, we’re going to use them, but if something comes up, that’ll change,” he said via the Rangers official Twitter account.

The rumors in and around social media have had the Rangers moving up in the draft in some instances or staying right where they are at number nine.

With three first round picks and 10 overall selections, the team has an interesting advantage once it all commences on Friday evening.

The quote solidifies the theory of, “Wait and see.”

Not lost in the excitement of the draft is how important it is for the future of the organization. Along with the three first-round picks, the Rangers hold three second-round selections and two third-rounders. This draft may very well dictate the success or failure in the years ahead for the Blueshirts.

Gorton, along with his scouting staff, is comfortable where they currently stand with the number nine pick, saying, “Our pick at 9, we are really comfortable with what is there, and then later in the first round, we think there will be good players there.”

Jeff Gorton made it clear that the team is in a rebuilding stage and any doubts are incorrect.

Dan Rosen of NHL.com commented on what Gorton said regarding the young players being acquired this weekend.

“I think it’s pretty obvious that we’re trying to accumulate young players and assets and trying to get better and going to give these players an opportunity.”

This falls right into the wheelhouse of newly hired coach David Quinn—a coach who enjoys working with younger players, who holds them accountable yet expects them to make mistakes with the anticipation of them learning from those same mistakes.

Gorton also understands he can’t go into the season with all kids. He is going to need a mixture of veterans and youth to keep the Rangers balanced.

The unofficial begin the Rangers 2018-2019 season is set to begin on Friday night. It’s time to set new standards and traditions for this original six team.

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at [email protected]