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According to Larry Brooks at the New
York Post the Rangers are expected to sign 2007 6th round pick Carl Hagelin
at the conclusion of his senior season at Michigan. If Michigan reaches the championship game
this season, then his college season could extend all the way to April 9. The Connecticut Whale end their regular
season on April 10. That means that if
Hagelin’s season ends early he could join them for their final playoff push or
if it doesn’t and the Whale manage to get into the playoffs he could join them at
that point.
Hagelin has had a brilliant career for the Wolverines and a
tremendous senior season. On the year he
has 17 goals and 30 assists in just 38 games, which earned him a position as
one of three finalists for the CCHA player-of-the-year. Along with that he was nominated for CCHA
defensive player of the year, which shows the kind of two-way hockey player he
is. Hagelin is a sleeper prospect who
many have lost track of over the years while other guys got all the attention,
but do not sleep on the level of skill he has.
He possesses excellent speed, toughness to his game, can play in all
situations and has excellent hands.
Hagelin will be a force on the penalty kill as he is a constant threat
to go the other way for a shorthanded goal.
Depending on what happens with the Rangers during the
offseason in terms of signings Hagelin definitely has a chance to make the
roster out of camp next year, but is more likely to start the season in the AHL
and have a similar development timetable to Mats Zuccarello this year.
