The New York Rangers have inked another NCAA free agent, signing goaltender Chris Nell out of Bowling Green State. The netminder has decided to turn pro after his junior season, another one in which he ranked among the nation’s best in most categories.
Undrafted, Nell debuted at Bowling Green in 2014 and has never looked back. With a .930 save percentage last season, he led the WCHA and has had another solid year with a .917. Though he’s not a huge target, Nell is known for his ability to recover after playing an initial shot aggressively and will need to keep that attitude at the professional level. If you’ve heard of a “battling” goaltender, you’ll recognize it in Nell who will never give up on a play.
A former state champion in high school hockey in Green Bay, Nell should be looked at down the road as an AHL starting goaltender. As with any goalie though, it is hard to project how their game will develop as they enter their mid-twenties and the Rangers are hoping he can advance all the way to the NHL. At just 22 years of age, he still has a lot of time to develop the skills to be a solid professional.
The leagues best team when it comes to goaltending adds to its stockpile and depth