Hugh Jessiman

The 6-6, 230-pound right wing was a first-round draft pick by the Rangers in 2003 but has been slow in his progression. He has spent the past three seasons with Hartford of the AHL. Jessiman had 18 goals for the Wolf Pack last season but has yet to make his NHL debut. He could be called upon if injuries mount for the Rangers.

The former first round pick appeared in 69 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), totaling 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points, along with 131 penalty minutes. Jessiman hasn’t really progressed as much as the Rangers have hoped, but they knew coming in that he was a project. He’ll almost play exclusively with Hartford this season, where he’ll need to show the organization some improvement in his game to justify his first round selection in 2003.

Jessiman appeared in 71 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Charlotte Checkers, tallying 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points, along with 122 penalty minutes collectively in 2005-06. He will get looks in training camp this upcoming season, but will probably spend his time in the AHL honing his game; the upside for this kid could be tremendous if he finally puts it all together.

A raw talent with some tangible skills on the ice, Jessiman will be given an extensive look at training camp this fall, but will most likely spend the season in Hartford of the AHL. However, it won't be long before we start seeing this former first-round pick roaming the ice on Broadway; the Rangers are banking that Jessiman will be the face of the franchise for many years to come.