There is an apparent winner in the Matt O’Connor sweepstakes. According to a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, and Sun Media’s Bruce Garrioch, the Ottawa Senators have signed the Boston University goaltender to a two-year entry level contract worth $925,000 per year plus bonuses.
O’Connor got two years at $925 K plus bonuses from #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) May 9, 2015
The 23-year old O’Connor got his start in the USHL playing for the Youngstown Phantoms. In 2012-13 he began his collegiate career playing for Boston University, and has gradually improved his game. As a freshman he won eight games, had a 2.68 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Those numbers have risen in his Junior year to 22 victories, a 2.12 GAA and a .928 save percentage.
O’Connor has tremendous poise in the net, and carries a good size frame of 6’5″ and 201 lbs. He backstopped the Terriers to a victory in the Annual Beanpot Final in Boston, defeating Harvard in three overtimes making 30 saves. In the Hockey East Tournament, he stopped 54 of 58 shots in back-to-back wins in the Semifinal and Final as the team earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
To the Senators he brings a goaltender that could challenge for an NHL roster spot in the future and add depth to the organization. His winning pedigree and tremendous improvement in his game are good signs for Ottawa.
The transition from the college level to the pro game is always tough, but for a talent like O’Connor with a winning environment around him in college, it could be easier for him.
The Senators have also had some success with college free agent goaltenders as that is how they acquired the “Hamburglar”, Andrew Hammond. Speaking of Hammond, the Senators are still trying to work out a new contract with the soon to be unrestricted free agent. With today’s signing, along with the presence of Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner, the crease is starting to get crowded in Ottawa.
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