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Rangers sign Tyler Wall to an entry-level contract |
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In a move that I found very surprising but very welcomed, the Rangers signed tyler Wall to an entry-level contract Friday. Wall, selected by New York in the sixth round, 174th overall, of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, had a tremendous career at UMass Lowell. That career was capped by Wall being named to the Hockey East Third All-Star Team this season.
From the press release:
Wall, 22, appeared in 32 games with UMass Lowell this season, posting an 18-8-6 record, along with a 2.10 GAA, a .931 SV%, and two shutouts. He appeared/started in 32 of UMass Lowell’s 34 games in 2019-20, and earned all of the team’s wins during the season. Wall established a collegiate career-best in SV% this season, and he was tied for ninth in the NCAA in SV% in 2019-20. In addition, he ranked eighth in the NCAA in saves in 2019-20 (924), and his 336 saves in either the third period or overtime were the third-most in the NCAA during the season. Wall allowed two goals or fewer in 22 of his 32 appearances this season, including one goal or fewer in eight different appearances. He was named the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week on six different occasions this season. He also served as an alternate captain in 2019-20, becoming the first UMass Lowell goaltender to wear either a ‘C’ or an ‘A’ on his jersey since Dwayne Roloson in 1993-94.
With Henrik Lundqvist, Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev already in the NHL, the Blueshirts have depth between the pipes. Add in Adam Huska, who is at Hartford, and Olof Lindblom, drafted second last year, and the depth extends well beyond the parent club. Those five names and youth in four of the five are why I thought Wall signing with New York was unlikely. My expectation was that Wall wouldn't sign at all, becoming a free agent, like Jimmy Vesey and others, and sign with a team more desperately in need of net help, where he would have a clearer path to the majors.
Because Wall is 22, as per Vince Merocgliano, his entry-level contract will be for two years, which means 2020-21 and 2021-22. Wall is expected to pair with Huska at Hartford next season. If Wall becomes as good as some believe he can be, New York then really can deal from strength. Not every prospect pans out, and as I wrote before, it's up to President John Davidson and GM Jeff Gorton to identify which ones should stay and who should be dealt, maximizing their value to fill other holes. The presence of goaltending coach Benoit Allaire may have helped New York land Wall, who deepens the goalie pool.
A very good day in Rangersland.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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