The New York Rangers have signed prospect Cristoval Nieves to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday. Nieves was a 2nd round draft pick back in the 2012 draft.
The two-year pact will start next season. For now, Nieves will report to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO).
"I feel that I'm definitely ready"-#NYR prospect @boonieves ready for next step; full story https://t.co/NJx4GebFrw pic.twitter.com/OXi6R53hAO
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 28, 2016
The Baldwinsville, New York native is coming off a career-year as an alternate captain for the University of Michigan. He hit career-best marks in goal (10) and points (31), as well as tying his career-high in assists (21).
He was a part of a Michigan team that looked capable of doing some damage in this year’s NCAA tournament, but they were dispatched Saturday by the University of North Dakota, who earned a berth in the Frozen Four with the win.
After finishing four years with Michigan, the 6-foot-3 forward could have waited until August and gone to free agency instead of taking a deal with the Rangers.
OFFICIAL: #NYR agreed to terms with forward Cristoval Nieves (@boonieves) on an entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/d0zdjNoZVc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 28, 2016
Excited to officially be a part of the @nyrangers organization! I will never forget what this… https://t.co/71fqWrg3Vx
— Cristoval Nieves (@boonieves) March 28, 2016