True. I remember people saying this about Klein a few seasons ago.
FWIW -
Klein:
Draft year: '03
NHL Debut: 05-06 (2 games)
Full NHL Year: 08-09
Total AHL reg season games: 220
McIlrath:
Draft year: '10
NHL Debut: 13-14 (2 games)
Full NHL Year: TBD
Total AHL reg season games: 182
Yes, McIlrath was a top 10 pick. No, Klein was not. Yes, the Rangers should've done better with that pick. No, that does not mean that just because McIlrath isn't in the NHL right now that his window is closed.
The Rangers ****ed up, no argument. They filled a need with a top 10 pick instead of going BPA. That's ridiculously terrible asset management in the NHL draft. Sort of like drafting a goalie 6th overall... oh, wait
But, to say his window is closed is ludicrous. He's going to be in the NHL next year either as a 7th guy here fighting for a top-6 assignment, or a top-6 guy somewhere else. He's logging hard minutes in the AHL on the top-pair of a team in the ECF. His progression this season has been astronomical. Not so shocking that it came in a year where he finally stayed healthy.
Not many teams in the NHL can boast Keith Yandle and Kevin Klein as their third pairing. Our defense is ridiculously talented and will be tough for any prospect to crack, not just McIlrath.