Draft Value: Sergei Zubov Best Return On Investment For NHL Defensemen

Defensive Value Over Two Decades
Alvin Change NHL Draft Blog, ESPN June 10, 2010

Excerpt
1. Sergei Zubov, New York Rangers
1990, Round 5, No. 85 overall
Expected: 0.125 points per game
Actual: 0.722
Difference: 0.597

In the 1990 draft, only seven European players were taken in the first four rounds of the draft. In the fifth round, the floodgates opened with four Europeans in that round -- the first of which was Zubov. The Rangers took a chance on Zubov and fellow Soviet player Sergei Nemochinov, despite getting limited looks at them. After the draft, Rangers coach Roger Neilson told the Toronto Star, "I have never coached a Soviet player so I have no feeling either way about them. I don't see how they can be any different than Swedes or Czechs." For the next two years, the Rangers wouldn't get many chances to watch Zubov in Russia but, in 1992, he came over to North America. The following year, Zubov made it to the NHL to play for Neilson. But after less than 10 games, Neilson was fired. Of players drafted in the last 20 years, Zubov is No. 1 in scoring with 771 points. He played in the KHL last season.

Click Here to Continue Reading

Classic Video: Johan Hedberg Makes Great Stick Save Against NY Rangers 12-14-2009

Youtube.com User: HockeyWebCast

Brian Leetch #6 of The Top 10 NHLers to Come Out of College Hockey

The Top 10 NHLers to Come Out of College Hockey
Daniel Sallows The Bleacher Report March 27, 2010

Brian Leetch did it all over his decorated NHL career, from a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy in 1994, to a pair of Norris Trophies, he was truly one of the elite defensemen ever to play in the game. And, it all got started while playing with the Eagles at Boston College.

In his short-lived NCAA career, Leetch scored 9 goals and 47 points over 37 games at Boston College, before making the jump to the pros and winning the Calder for the NHL's top rookie.

He is 8th on the all-time list for most points by a defenseman in the NHL, with 1,028 over 1,205 career games.

Additional Reading: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/369749-the-top-10-nhlers-to-come-out-of-college-hockey#page/8

16th Annual New York Rangers Skate With The Greats Featuring HOF Brian Leetch

NY RANGERS LACE UP FOR 16th ANNUAL “SKATE WITH THE GREATS” EVENT TO BENEFIT RONALD McDONALD HOUSE NEW YORK

Rangers Greats Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert and Adam Graves take to the ice at Rockefeller Center, Thursday, Jan. 28 6:30 PM

On Thursday, January 28th, Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert, Adam Graves and other celebrated former Rangers will take part in the 16th annual Skate with the Greats event at Rockefeller Center. The Skate with the Greats event has helped to raise more than $6 million for Ronald McDonald House New York, a facility that offers children with cancer and their family shelter and support while they undergo active treatment. Since its founding, more than 25,000 children have stayed at Ronald McDonald House New York.

Ronald McDonald House New York is supported in part by the Rangers through a partnership with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit charity that works closely with the Rangers and all areas of Madison Square Garden to make dreams come true for kids in crisis.

The 16th Annual Skate with the Greats - Skate with New York Rangers Greats and participate in live and silent auctions

Join Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert, Adam Graves and other celebrated former Rangers

Thursday, January 28, 6:30 – 8:00 pm – Live auction at 7:00 PM

The Rink and Restaurant at Rockefeller Center – 30 Rockefeller Plaza (between 49th & 50th Streets)