GREENBURGH, N.Y. — A first-round draft pick by the Rangers in 2010, defenseman Dylan McIlrath is starting to realize his N.H.L. promise with a physical presence, a stay-at-home defensive mind-set and an occasional dose of offense.
He is also learning patience.
After toiling in the minors for the past three years, McIlrath, 23, has played 21 games in his rookie season, filling in when needed but mostly observing games as the team’s seventh defenseman.
McIlrath skated in the 4-2 home victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday after not dressing four of the previous five games and 11 of the past 14.