Who are the next prospects that could join Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh and the rest of the young Rangers on Broadway?

Blueshirt Bulletin will be tracking the progress of the next wave of youngsters as they compete and develop this season in the Canadian junior leagues, college and abroad.

Below is a compilation of scouting reports, buzz and analysis by scouts and hockey experts on Randy McNaught. 

We’ll update this as the season unfolds with the latest news at the very bottom of this post.

Randy McNaught

Drafted: 2010 – 7th round (190th overall)

HT: 6-4

WT: 217

Pos: RW

Shoots: R

Birthday: 8/5/90

Team: University of Calgary Dinos, CIS

2010-2011 stats: 1g, 1a, 8gp, 27PIM, -6 (with Vancouver Giants, WHL)

2009-2010 stats: 6g, 6a, 59gp, 131PIM (with Saskatoon Blades, WHL)

                                       0g, 0a, 6gp, 32PIM (with Chilliwack Bruins, WHL)

2009-2010 playoffs: 0g, 0a, 5gp, 11PIM (with Saskatoon Blades, WHL)

Rangers.com profile >

Highlight Reel >  (See a WHL bout between McNaught and fellow Rangers’ prospect, Dylan McIlrath!)

Scouting report entering the season from Blueshirt Bulletin staff writer and author of The Prospect Park, Jess Rubenstein:

“For those wondering what happened to Randy McNaught (NYR 2010 7th) after a pretty good effort at Traverse City we have an answer. McNaught choose to enroll at the University of Calgary and when you look at it then it actually is a pretty good idea. The Rangers still hold McNaught's draft rights but McNaught was a long range project to turn him from a goon into a complete player. McNaught is in a league (Canada West) which is a very talented one but one that does not allow fighting.”  (10/1/11)

What They’re Saying:

The Rangers Tribune – Randy McNaught, with his 6-5, 221 lb frame, is a pure bruiser that knows how to use his body. He has run into trouble in the past while playing in the WHL with suspensions, but other than that he is a clean gritty player with a whole lot of size. In fact, he has dropped the gloves and fought Rangers' first round draft pick, Dylan McIlrath, in the past.” (Summer 2010)

NYRangers.com – “McNaught is a very large man at 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds. Nearing his 21st birthday later this summer, he is also a very intimidating figure on skates.”

“When he drops the gloves, it is always a heavyweight bout... McNaught wasn't only impressive at Traverse City because of his scuffles as he played in all situations and had a few scoring chances.”

“Assured there will be no long term problems related to his ankle surgery, McNaught can continue chasing the NHL dream he developed as a kid in Nanaimo. From a very early age, he aspired to be a power forward in the mold of his two favorite NHL players -- Cam Neely and Todd Bertuzzi.”  (Summer 2011)

Hockey’s Future – [Ranks McNaught 31st among NYR prospects] “McNaught has excellent size and plays a physical brand of hockey. Strong on his feet, he has an excellent grasp on his role on the ice and has exhibited excellent character.” (Sept. 28, 2011)

The Prospect Park – “McNaught's strengthen is his fast hands as well as his 6'4 size which makes the possibility of turning him into a power forward a worthwhile gamble. We want to see McNaught do more than fight as all that will get him is a contract in the Central Hockey League (level below the ECHL).” (Sept. 9, 2011)

“Randy McNaught was a nice surprise for a guy who we thought never had a chance because of injuries. The bigger surprise was that he was not invited to the Ranger's main camp as McNaught had earned the invite over the non-roster invitees.” (Sept. 17, 2011)

“Randy McNaught (2010 7th) is slowly starting to grow on us as the Vancouver Giants keep using him as their top line right wing and while he is not turning into a scoring machine; he is being a responsible player.” (Oct. 11, 2011)

Ranger Nation – “this kid has an amazing attitude. I hope everyone remembers the name Randy McNaught because I believe we will see this kid in the future on the NHL ice.” (Summer 2011)

***UPDATES***