The New York Rangers had two picks in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft, selecting defensemen Sean Barnhill and Artyom Gonchar.
With the 70th overall pick, the Rangers selected Barnhill.
Barnhill was born and raised in Arizona as he spent most of his youth years playing hockey in the Valley.
The 18-year-old has spent the past two seasons with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League.
This past season, Barnhill recorded four goals, eight assists, and 12 points for the Fighting Saints.
“Sean obviously took some big steps throughout the season,” Saints general manager Trevor Edwards said. “Early on, he was a developing player who still struggled a little bit with his own confidence when things didn’t go maybe according to plan. But, as the season went on, he really took off and became more comfortable with the pace of the game. By the end of the season, he was playing top-four minutes for us.”
Barnhill's 6-foot-5, 214-pound frame stands out about him. For his size, Barnhill is also a strong skater with impressive defensive tendencies.
“With a deep, balanced stance and quick feet, Barnhill denies rushes and then jumps up into the play,” via Elite Prospects 2025 NHL Draft Guide. “He matches the footwork of smaller, high-skill attackers with ease, and he rarely overextends. The skating appears most in his rush defence, where he makes some high-level stops with his feet moving after taking away the middle.”
Next season, Barnhill is expected to play at Northeastern University.
With the 89th overall pick, the Rangers selected Gonchar. The Russian native is actually the nephew of former NHL player Sergei Gonchar.
Rangers Select Forward Malcolm Spence In Second Round With 43rd Pick The New York Rangers have selected left winger Malcolm Spence with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The 18-year-old played for the Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk of the MHL in Russia this past season where he recorded seven goals, 18 assists, and 25 points in 50 games.
He stands at 6-foot-0, 156 pounds.
“Gonchar is a quick and agile two way defenseman,” via Neutral Zone. “He rushed the puck up ice with confidence and joined the play deep into the offensive zone on multiple occasions. He was tasked with minutes on the first powerplay unit and snapped the puck around with intention.”
Artyom will remain in the MHL next season.