NHL Prospects: Goaltender Matt O’Connor of BU

We have heard more than enough information on NHL prospects McDavid and Eichel let me introduce you to someone that may end up being in your city; Matt O’Connor currently of Boston University. O’Connor is fresh off a Beanpot win and is starting to turn heads. O’Connor was born in Toronto and is 23-years-old, but his numbers are those of an older talent.

It’s been reported by Darren Dreger that as many as 14 NHL teams now have this NHL prospect on their radar. It’s not a secret that the NHL has trended

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towards big goaltenders and at 6’5″ 205 pounds this undrafted goaltender will soon find himself in the NHL. The undrafted fact is what give Matt O’Connor full control of his future, and while teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Arizona Coyotes are rumored to be in the mix don’t rule out any of the Canadian teams.

There will be a feeding frenzy as the season come to a close. It’s not every day that teams can just walk into a meeting room and come out with a possible future starting goaltender. Dreger has also reported that O’Connor has met with a few teams but no decision has been made.

O’Connor has put up solid numbers while playing on one of the most competitive college programs in the USA. His constant improvement is one key factor teams are noticing that along with this outstanding play in the Beanpot.

College Stats (Via Hockey DB)

• 2012-2013: GAA 2.86, SV% .910
• 2013-2014: GAA 2.89, SV% .920
• 2014-2015: GAA 2.10, SV% .929 (Beanpot Winner)

If signed and tossed into the mix right away O’Connor could burn out as quickly as he has risen, but if his new team can carefully grow his confidence and carefully

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insert him into games that fit his talent O’Connor could soon be one of the NHL best. He’s no kid and at 23 years old there is already some seasoning and being an undrafted free agent it’s safe to say he has handled disappointment before.

There is no telling if any prospect is really going to be the next big thing, but coming from BU and leaving with solid numbers it is safe to assume O’Connor will at least challenge for a roster spot on whatever team signs him. I’d like for any team that signs O’Connor to let him season in the AHL, but if Edmonton or Calgary get their hands on him I don’t see that happening. I’m of the mind-set that any player regardless of age should spend one year in the AHL.

As for the Sabres or Arizona; they could afford to send him to their respective AHL teams for a while, as both teams are in some form of a rebuild.