Earlier today, the Rangers agreed to terms on an entry level deal with prospect Anthony Duclair. Taken in the third round 80th overall of last year’s entry draft, the 18-year old forward has starred for the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

In his third season, he’s posted 31 goals and 26 assists totaling 57 points in 37 games. Duclair is tied for third in the QMJHL in points (57) and game-winners (5). His 31 goals also rank third. Named the league’s Second Star for December, he tallied nine goals and 13 helpers for 22 points in 10 contests.

In assessing Duclair, he’s not big in stature. Listed at 5-11, 184 pound forward is a native of Quebec City. From video packages provided by NYR Blog’s Adam Herman, he’s very shifty and has good finishing ability. I went with a Super Series game against Russia. In the above video, he scores the game-winner on Nov. 20 by getting to a loose puck in front and backhanding it past the goalie. Against stronger competition, it shows he’s willing to score a garbage goal. That’s the kind he’ll have to once he matures.

It should also be noted that the QMJHL is a high scoring league with little defense. Herman’s videos did nothing to alter that view. For a good comparable, the league’s leading scorer is noted Canadian standout Anthony Mantha. After getting selected in the first round 20th overall by the Red Wings, he’s tearing it up with 35 goals and 38 assists for 73 points in just 32 games. Mantha has carried over that to the WJC where he’s tied with Nashville Swedish prospect Filip Forsberg for the tournament lead with 11 points (5-6-11). The difference with Mantha is he’s 6-5, 204. A beast who projects as a power forward. It doesn’t mean Duclair won’t be successful. But it’ll get more challenging.

Given the lack of scoring prospects in the Rangers system, one can only hope he’ll develop into one. Encouraging is that he already knows how to finish and has scorer’s instincts. Given the time it’s taking Reid Boucher for the Devils after making the jump, patience will be the key.