NY Rangers Address Major Need by Landing Smooth-Skating Defensive Titan Bound for NCAA…see more…
The New York Rangers took a significant step in reinforcing their defensive pipeline at the 2025 NHL Draft by selecting one of the most promising blueliners available—a smooth-skating, shutdown defenseman committed to the NCAA. With this move, the Rangers not only addressed one of their most glaring organizational needs but also continued a broader effort to balance their lineup with a more dynamic, two-way defensive core that complements their forward-heavy NHL roster.
The pick came early on Day 2 of the draft, with the Rangers using the 45th overall selection to grab Lukas Bergstrom, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound Swedish-American defenseman who is slated to begin his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota this fall. Bergstrom, who played the 2024–25 season with the USHL’s Fargo Force, has steadily climbed draft boards over the past year thanks to his effortless skating, poise under pressure, and intelligent stick work in the defensive zone.
A Smart and Calculated Move
Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury spoke glowingly about Bergstrom following the pick.
> “Lukas is exactly the type of defenseman we felt we needed more of in our pipeline—mobile, calm, with the ability to move the puck and defend against top-tier competition,” Drury said. “He’s a player who can play in all situations and has real leadership qualities.”
The Rangers’ front office, in collaboration with Director of Player Personnel John Lilley and Director of Amateur Scouting Gordie Clark, had their eyes on Bergstrom for several months, especially after a standout showing at the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine and a strong performance at the World Junior A Challenge, where Bergstrom wore the “A” for Team USA and was lauded for his mature game.
The Rangers had entered the 2025 Draft with a well-documented organizational need on the blueline. While stars like Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller lead the NHL squad, depth beyond the top pair has been inconsistent, particularly when it comes to size, skating, and defensive awareness. Many scouts pegged the Rangers as a team that would prioritize defense early in the draft, and the Bergstrom pick affirmed that belief.
A Modern NHL Defenseman
What makes Bergstrom stand out isn’t just his size or reach—though those are assets—it’s the way he combines elite skating with a disciplined approach to defense.
“He doesn’t chase the play, and he doesn’t overcommit. He reads the ice exceptionally well, has a great first pass, and isn’t afraid to join the rush when it’s the right time,” said one Central Scouting analyst. “In terms of transition defense and neutral zone control, he’s already ahead of a lot of his peers.”
His development path has also been methodical. Bergstrom spent his teenage years in Sweden before moving to the U.S. to play junior hockey and prepare for NCAA competition. His commitment to both sides of the game has drawn comparisons to players like Mattias Ekholm and Ryan McDonagh—steady, reliable top-four defensemen with leadership potential.
> “I model parts of my game after guys like Jaccob Slavin and Shea Theodore,” Bergstrom said in a post-draft interview. “I try to be as steady as possible in my own zone, make the smart first pass, and if the play opens up, I’ll jump into the rush. But the priority is always to be tough to play against.”
Development in the NCAA
The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are a perennial powerhouse in college hockey, and Bergstrom’s decision to join them only accelerated NHL interest in his development. With Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko known for developing well-rounded players who adapt quickly to the pro game, expectations are high that Bergstrom could be ready for the AHL or NHL level within two to three seasons.
“He’s going to have to bulk up a bit, for sure,” said one Western Conference scout. “But in terms of vision, hockey IQ, and decision-making—he’s already playing the game at a pro level mentally.”
That’s encouraging news for Rangers fans, especially with rumors circulating about long-term changes to the team’s defense corps. Veterans like Jacob Trouba have uncertain futures given cap implications, and the lack of right-handed depth on the blue line is a concern the front office is clearly aware of.
Bergstrom, a left-shot defenseman, does not solve the handedness issue directly, but his versatility—he has experience playing both sides—adds flexibility for the Rangers’ coaching staff moving forward.
Impact on the Rangers’ Prospect Pool
With the selection of Bergstrom, the Rangers now boast a more well-rounded defensive prospect group. While names like Zac Jones, Matthew Robertson, and Bryce McConnell-Barker offer varied skill sets, none bring the size-speed combination that Bergstrom does.
> “He’s a foundational piece,” said Lilley. “It’s hard to find guys who are 6’3” and move like that. You want to build your team from the net out, and with Lukas, we think we have someone who can be an anchor on the back end for years to come.”
Bergstrom is expected to attend the Rangers’ development camp in July, where fans and media alike will get their first close-up look at the promising young defenseman in Rangers gear. While he’s still several years away from NHL action, the optimism around his potential is real.
Final Thoughts
In a draft where the Rangers had multiple needs to address, their choice to solidify their defensive core by picking Lukas Bergstrom was both strategic and symbolic. It signaled a commitment to building a team that doesn’t just rely on offensive firepower but one that can control games through structured, mobile, and intelligent defensive play.
If Bergstrom’s development goes according to plan, the Rangers could have found themselves a long-term defensive solution—perhaps even a future alternate captain—who embodies the next generation of NHL defensemen.
And for a team that’s already knocking on the door of true Stanley Cup contention, that’s a piece worth betting on.
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