Rangers Sign Jaroslav Chmelar to Entry-Level Deal
Today the New York Rangers announced the signing of prospect Jaroslav Chmelar to a three-year entry-level contract.
Chmelar, 20, played two seasons at Providence College, accumulating 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points in 59 games. This past season, he notched five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 26 games and was one of six players on the team to have double-digit assists. In his freshman campaign, he totaled seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 33 games.
The interesting thing about this move is that Chmelar could have remained in school, but the organization feels his development is best served by joining the Wolf Pack. Chmelar was picked in the fifth round, 144th overall, at 2021 NHL Entry Draft, and doesn’t have a stat line that jumps out and screams he’s done all he can do in college.
That said, if the Rangers feel that the best thing for his development is facing stiffer competition, there’s nothing wrong with that. Developing bottom-six talent is something they’ve tried to do in recent years, and one early result of that is Will Cuylle, and in his case he could potentially be a top-six player in the future.
Chmelar will join the Wolf Pack for the rest of the season, and it will be interesting to see how he performs early on, and if we will be able to get a sense of what type of pro he will be.