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Alexei Cherepanov’s tragic story remains the Rangers’ ultimate prospect “what if”

The late first-round pick was once seen as a cornerstone for the future, but his tragic passing left the Rangers and their fans wondering what could have been.

2007 NHL Entry Draft Round One | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

This week is all about the draft and prospects at NHL FanSided, and one player who deserves some reflection is the late Alexei Cherepanov. Nicknamed the "Siberian Express", Cherepanov was selected by the New York Rangers at No. 17 overall at the 2007 NHL Draft, even though he was one of the top players in terms of skill in the draft.