The New York Rangers via their official twitter account have
confirmed the signings of 2010 first round selection defenseman Dylan McIlrath and
forward 2009 third round pick Ryan Bourque to three year entry level
contracts.
There are no details at the current moment on the McIlrath
contract, but I will post them when they are out. In 59 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the
Western Hockey League (WHL) this season McIlrath has recorded five goals and 18
assists for 23 points, along with 141 penalty minutes.
As far as Ryan Bourque goes Capgeek has the
details on his deal as a two-way contract worth a maximum of 1.97 million over
three years. The deal calls for Bourque
to earn $67, 500 each year in the AHL with differing salaries in the NHL. On the season Bourque has 26 goals, 31
assists and 57 points in 47 games for the Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL.
This is a very good day to be a Rangers fan as they are
singing more young prospects to NHL contracts.
The caveat however to the excitement getting out of control is the
realization that many of these deals are done to make players able to play in
the AHL playoffs. This does not mean
that either will play professionally next season. Bourque is likely to be in Hartford, but
McIlrath is not eligible for the AHL, much the way Del Zotto was not last
season because he will be under 20 and was in the CHL at the time of his being
drafted.
