New York Rangers sign Jaroslav Chmelar to 3-year, entry-level contract
Jaroslav Chmelar agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers on Wednesday. The 20-year-old forward was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round (No. 144 overall) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Chmelar has made impressive strides at Providence College this season, earning 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 26 games in his second year with them. He tied for the team lead with 29 penalty minutes.
As a freshman last season, he registered 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 33 games.
Listed at 6-foot-4, 198 pounds, Chmelar has the makings of a big power forward, one who will look to add weight and muscle now that he’s turned pro.
It is the second NCAA signing by the Rangers in recent days. On March 15, the Rangers inked goalie Hugo Ollas to a two-year, entry-level deal. Ollas played three seasons for Merrimack College and was New York’s seventh-round pick (No. 197 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. He has reported to Hartford of the American Hockey League.
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Jaroslav Chmelar signs with Rangers after two seasons at Providence College
On the international stage, Chmelar was a difference-maker for Czechia in the 2023 World Junior Championship. He recorded three goals and five assists in seven games, and helped Czechia earn a silver medal. He also appeared in the 2022 World Juniors.
Prior to his days at Providence, Chmelar played for Jokerit U20 in Finland. In the 2021-22 season, he recorded nine goals and nine assists in 39 games. The year prior, he played 15 games with the U18 club.
Chmelar will report to the Hartford, after agreeing to an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) March 26. This will be a great chance for the young forward to get his first taste of North American professional hockey.
Hartford currently sits fifth in the Atlantic division, and is actively fighting for a playoff spot. The experience of making a playoff run with the Wolf Pack could be very valuable to the native of Nove Mesto nad Metuji in Czechia.
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