Rangers will have plenty of competition for Collin Graf
The New York Rangers are reportedly interested in college free agent Collin Graf of Quinnipiac University, per the NY Post. A contender for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top college hockey player, has scored 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points in 31 games this season.
Interest in the widely-regarded top NCAA free agent by the Blueshirts should come as no surprise. Forever Blueshirts has learned that several teams have been closely scouting the 21-year-old forward, with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Nashville Predators leading the pack.
“There have been scouts in the building to watch Collin and many others this season,” a source told Forever Blueshirts. “Given the proximity of the campus to New York, the Rangers are regular visitors to Hamden.”
The distance from Madison Square Garden to the campus of Quinnipiac in Hamden, Connecticut is a little less than three hours away.
Update: This article was updated to include additional information.
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Rangers will have competition for Collin Graf
Graf opened plenty of eyes by winning the 2023 NCAA National Championship with Quinnipiac University, and by being named CCM/AHCA First Team All-American and ECAC First Team All-Conference as a sophomore.
During the 2022-23 campaign, his 38 assists were tied for the NCAA lead. However, it was his game-tying goal late in the third period to force overtime before the Bobcats claimed victory in overtime, that showed his clutch scoring ability that NHL teams love.
His ability to play center and right wing is also something scouts deem a huge positive as well. Graf is also very good defensively, which is usually the downfall for many promising offensive propsects as they try to rise through the pro ranks.
Although Graf can sign with any team at any time, he’s expected to wait until Quinnipiac’s season comes to an end. The Bobcats are scheduled next to take on St. Lawrence on March 22, in the ECAC Hockey Tournament Semifinals.
Note: Steven Pappas contributed to this article.
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