Recent Hobey Baker winner, Matt Gilroy, has signed a 2-year contract with the New York Rangers after winning the National Championship with Boston U at the NCAA Frozen Four tournament.
Gilroy was one of the most sought-after, non-NHL free agents heading into the upcoming off-season. Already 24, Gilroy had a very successful season at Boston U, recording 8 goals and 37 points in 45 games. An impressive total at the college level.
Rangers GM Glen Sather, has gone out on another limb signing Gilroy to a 2-year, one-way contract for $3.5 million. This ensures the young rear guard a spot on the Rangers team next year, regardless of how he plays. Gilroy should be playing on the top 2 pairings next season and will be able to gain valuable experience from Wade Redden.
Fantasy owners should be wary when looking at drafting Gilroy. He will get plenty of ice time in New York but that is far from being a successful fantasy producer. There have been numerous Hobey Baker winners in the NHL, but only a handful have been fantasy studs. Neal Broten, Paul Kariya, Chris Drury, and Ryan Miller are the most notable fantasy gems to emerge from the college ranks.
Being 25 heading into the next NHL will be an advantage to Gilroy, but look for him to still have numerous stumbling blocks playing for a highly demanding coach in John Tortorella. If you are able to grab Gilroy in the late rounds of your draft next season, he is worth taking a flyer on. Owners should not expect him to put up top numbers in his first year and should look elsewhere if they need to draft a point-producing d-man.
Mark
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