The New York Rangers have signed 2015 3rd round draft pick (62nd overall) Robin Kovacs to an entry-level contract, the team announced Monday. While the team did not disclose any details on the deal, it’s assumed to be a three-year pact.
Kovacs was one of the team’s best unsigned prospects following the signing of Pavel Buchnevich this summer. He has spent the last three seasons grabbing games with AIK IF of the Allsvenskan league in Sweden and even saw a couple of games in the SHL last year. He was the winner of the Guldgallret, awarded to the top junior player in the Allsvenskan, in each of the last two seasons.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with forward Robin Kovacs on an entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/9VTrmIikNz
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 18, 2016
Last year, through 44 games for AIK, Kovacs scored 21 goals and 34 points. He also notched an assist in one of his four games for Rögle BK in the SHL. Those Allsvenskan totals were good enough to lead all players 20 and under in goals and points. He also led all players in shootout goals (8) and game-deciding goals (4). He was third in goals per game (0.48) and fifth in goals and shooting percentage (17.1%, which isn’t necessarily a good thing).
Kovacs will compete for a spot on the Rangers roster, but, like Buchnevich, is eligible to play in the AHL.
