The hottest free agent in the NHL over the last week has never played a second of professional hockey.
Since Boston University won the NCAA men's hockey championship Saturday, it's been time for senior defenseman Matt Gilroy -- the 2009 Hobey Baker Award winner -- to start fielding offers from interested NHL teams. Gilroy wasted little time, deciding Friday to sign with the New York Rangers.
Because Gilroy was a free agent, and his draft eligibility passed under the terms of the old collective bargaining agreement, the Rangers are paying impressively for his services. The New York Post says it's a two-year deal worth up to $5 million.
The paper also says that the New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs were among the teams seriously bidding for Gilroy, who is a native of Long Island.
Gilroy was an unrecruited defenseman who has grown more than a half-foot since the age of 17. He helped Boston University to the fifth national championship in their history Saturday, when they beat Miami 4-3 in overtime. Gilroy's outstanding work ethic on the ice got him in position to earn this contract, and that combined nicely with his schoolwork and community service to earn him the Hobey, which goes to the nation's top collegiate player.
He will be eligible to play for the Rangers' American Hockey League affiliate in Hartford (Conn.). He is not eligible to play for the Rangers during the playoffs.
