Rangers Are Finalist for Free Agent Goaltender Matt O'Connor

The New York Rangers are among the final four teams competing to sign Boston University goaltender Matt O'Connor, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.

UFA G Matt O'Connor of Boston University will visit EDM and VAN this week, NYR next week. Was in OTT on Sunday. BUF is out. Down to 4 teams.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 22, 2015

O'Connor, 23, was 25-4-4 with Boston University this season, posting a 2.18 Goals Against Average as well as a .927 Save Percentage. He was also a big reason for BU's run to the finals in the NCAA Frozen Four. At 6'6 and 205 pounds, O'Connor is a massive goaltender who uses his size well.

At face value, the Rangers don't seem like a particularly appealing landing spot for a goaltender right now. Henrik Lundqvist is the main man and will continue to be for some time. In the prospect pool are three quality goaltenders in Mackenzie Skapski, Brandon Halverson, and Igor Shesterkin.

But aside from the normal allures of playing for an Original Six team in New York City, the Rangers have arguably the best goaltending coach in the world in Benoit Allaire with whom to pursuade O'Connor. Teams like Edmonton or Buffalo could offer O'Connor a quicker track to the NHL, but looking at what Allaire has done with Lundqvist, Skapski, and especially Cam Talbot - a similar NCAA signing by the Rangers - might make O'Connor feel more confident in securing a long NHL career with the Rangers.

As for the Rangers, O'Connor is certainly not a player they particularly need. Why not add a quality asset for free if you're able to, however? Cam Talbot could be gone as soon as this summer, and how knows; perhaps the Rangers might even be confident enough in O'Connor's abilities to slot him in the backup role right away.