The New York Rangers have scooped up college free agent defenseman John Gilmour, according to The Providence Journal’s Mark Divver, who says that it will be a two-year pact, the maximum length allowed for his entry-level deal.
The 5-foot-11 defenseman has spent the last four years playing for Providence College, helping them to win the 2015 national championship.
Gilmour isn’t a game-breaker, but he was solid in all three zones for Providence and showed a bit of an offensive upside, contributing nine goals and 23 points in his senior campaign.
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Until this signing, he was in a similar situation to Jimmy Vesey, who became a free agent on Aug. 16. The defender was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 7th round (198th overall) of the 2013 draft.
Gilmour should start the season with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford. It’s a longshot for him to see NHL time this coming season, but will help start the process of bolstering their blue line depth.