Lafre­niere knows his NHL desti­na­tion

Head Coach David Quinn's team were awarded the first pick in the Draft Lottery, putting the New York Rangers in pole position in the race for presumptive first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere.

“Whenever you get to pick first, especially this year, it is a special year, we all know that,” Rangers manager Jeff Gorton said.

Lafreniere is also delighted with the outcome of the draw. “Really great news. The Rangers are an incredible team with really good players,” said the 18-year-old. “A really nice city, for sure. It is great news and I am very happy.”

The winger is only the second player after Sidney Crosby to be named the CHL's best player in two consecutive years. The NHL Draft will take place on 9 and 10 October, with Austria's ice hockey export Marco Rossi also set to be selected very early by an NHL team.