Rangers trade up to take Ryan Gropp in second round, No. 41 overall

SUNRISE, Fla. – Ryan Gropp was the second Seattle Thunderbird to hear his name called at this weekend’s NHL Draft as the New York Rangers completed a blockbuster trade with the Anaheim Ducks to move up and select the talented young wing.

In the trade, the Rangers received the No. 41 overall pick, which they used on Gropp, and former Medicine Hat Tiger Emerson Etem. New York sent Carl Hagelin and the No. 59 and No. 179 picks to the Ducks, which were used on Julius Nattinen and Garrett Metcalf, respectively.

“It’s pretty special for them to think that highly of me,” said Gropp of the Rangers trading up to pick him. “They moved a good player who has been good for them for a while. It gives me motivation to keep working hard and keep getting better and show them they made the right choice in taking me.”

The smooth skating left wing’s contact with the Rangers prior to the draft was limited, as he spoke to them during the NHL Combine and possibly once during the year, though he couldn’t confirm. Despite being surprised by the pick, Gropp couldn’t have been more excited to be joining an Original Six team.

“It’s great – they’re one of my favorite teams to watch,” said Gropp of a very good Rangers squad that has gone deep in the playoffs three of the past four seasons. “They play fast and it really suits my game. I’m really looking forward to getting going and proving myself.”

Like Thunderbirds teammate Mathew Barzal, whose future home in Brooklyn with the New York Islanders is just a few miles from the Rangers’ home at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers were targeting Gropp and weren’t willing to risk missing out on him by waiting any longer.

“It makes (the Rangers) feel good when they see a guy like that still kicking around and they can go up and get him,” said T-Birds head coach Steve Konowalchuk after Gropp was selected. “They’re all looking for big guys with skill and that’s exactly what Gropp is. He’s got some special talent in his speed and vision and shot.”

The lighthearted ribbing between the current teammates and future rivals didn’t take long to commence, as Barzal and Gropp jumped on the phone shortly after the Rangers announced their selection of the Kamloops, British Columbia native.

“We’ve already started to joke about it,” says Gropp. “We’re only a few minutes away from each other up there so we’ll get to hang out. It’s great for us to be so close.”

The ceiling for Gropp is high as he possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and skill. At 6 foot 2 and 185 pounds, his shot and straight-line speed rank among the best in the draft. He uses his size not to punish other players, but instead to shield defenders and create space to release his big shot.

“He has elite skill that can play in the NHL, no doubt about it,” said Konowalchuk. “I still think he’s got more untapped NHL potential there. It’s exciting for him and not surprising that he went up in that area.”

TSN and NHL Network analyst Craig Button was in Seattle earlier this season to take in a Thunderbirds game and had a chance to see Gropp firsthand.

“(Gropp’s) skill is undeniable and he’s got size,” said Button. “When you watch the things that he’s capable of doing, it excites. For the New York Rangers there’s a lot to like and they’re going to allow him time to develop. Much like (current Rangers prospect and former Calgary Hitmen star) Adam Tambellini – he could be that type of development projection.”

Some wondered during the year and pre-draft process if Gropp’s numbers – 58 points on 30 goals and 28 assists in 67 games – were a product of playing alongside Barzal. It’s an unfair assessment as the two spent most of the year playing on different lines, and when Barzal missed two months with injury, Gropp didn’t miss a step in becoming the go-to offensive player for Seattle.

“He finished really well for us and he kind of put the team on his shoulders offensively and got us through some injuries,” said Konowalchuk. “It shows how he can really help carry a team offensively. I think it was really big. It showed the scouts as well.”

Over the next couple of years, Konowalchuk thinks Gropp’s main focus should be adding strength and becoming more consistent.

“We saw that progression (with his strength) last year during the playoffs,” said Konowalchuk. “I think the strength and consistency will come with time.”

Button echoed Konowalchuk’s sentiments, adding that he’d like to see more consistency, but similar things can be said about many players in this age group.

“Like with a lot of young players you’re trying to find a consistency in his game,” said Button. “As I like to say, it’s about pulling the strings that bind tighter. As he gets those areas of his game more consistent he’s going to become more impactful and contribute a lot more.”

With a development that won’t be forced, Gropp’s strong work ethic, and a coaching staff that knows what it takes to make it at the highest level, it shouldn’t be long before the proverbial strings are pulled.