The Ottawa Senators added some goaltending depth today by signing highly touted NCAA free agent Matt O'Connor to a 2 year entry level deal.
O'Connor is probably the most sought-after goalie to come around in a number of years, so much so that I can't think of another one off the top of my head that was courted as much as he has been since his college season ended. He decided to turn pro after his junior year in college.
After meeting with most NHL teams, O'Connor had trimmed his final list down to 4 teams a couple of weeks ago- the Senators, Oilers, Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.
He was a teammate of future division rival Jack Eichel at Boston University, advancing to the final of the NCAA Frozen Four tournament before losing to Providence.
While the signing doesn't change the immediate plans for the Ottawa crease that still need clearing up, it certainly makes things interesting for future seasons. O'Connor is ticketed for Binghamton for at least a year of seasoning before he is ready, but he is just 8 months younger than current Sens goalie Robin Lehner. He will be a restricted free agent when his 2 year contract expires.
O'Connor is listed at 6'5", just over 200 lb, and had a record of 25-4-4 with a GAA of 2.18 and .927 SP and one shutout this season with BU.