A headscratcher

Troy Donnay (OHL Images)

Wednesday saw the New York Rangers sign defenseman Troy Donnay of the Erie Otters to a NHL entry level contract. Donnay who attended the recent Ranger prospect camp at the beginning of July is 6'7 185 and will be scheduled to play his 4 year in the OHL during the 2013-2014 hockey season.

I have to admit that I am wondering what the Rangers saw in Donnay that impressed them enough to offer Donnay a contract. I watched a lot of the Erie Otters last season while watching New York Islander prospect Adam Pelech and Donnay other than his size did nothing to stand out. At 6'7 Donnay is pencil thin and doesn't use his size to his advantage as one would expect.

I asked a friend who covers the OHL for his take on Donnay and at least he saw something as he said:

He's tall, but not much weight is on him. As a result, he's not very physical. He skates well for someone his size, but could use a little more speed. He's relied upon to be a top-four d-man, but really has the capacity to play 15 minutes a game. If he gains a significant amount of weight and gets more physical, he'd be a nice diamond in the rough.

I really thought he played well immediately coming from London, but last season was a little rough. He's very good as a third pairing d-man, not so much in a bigger role.

Donnay has not shown much of an offensive skill set either going 2-15-17 in 143 OHL games. It will be very interesting to see how Donnay plays at Traverse City this fall.

Donnay's signing adds to what has been in my eyes an inconsistent off-season for the Rangers in terms of their prospect moves. The draft was at best average with the Rangers hurt by the lack of a first or second round pick.

Defensemen Tommy Hughes and Conor Allen were good signings as was goalie Jeff Malcom and forward Josh Nicholls. The jury is out on forward Michael Kantor as well as the Donnay signing.

We shall see what happens next for the Rangers.