Matt O’Connor Has NHL Future
Former Boston University goaltender Matt O’Connor has been in the news recently after a major blunder was a contributing factor to the Terriers loss in the NCAA championship against the Providence Friars. The nationally televised game brought a certain infamy to O’Connor, who had more than one gaffe in the playoffs.
I’m here to show the other side of O’Connor; the side that carried BU to the NCAA playoffs, the side that won the Hockey East championship, and the side that will get a shot in the NHL.
The 23 year old has all the make up to be an NHL goalie. He is 6’5 and 203 and after going undrafted four years ago is an unrestricted free agent.
O’Connor has narrowed his list of teams down to four; the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators and the New York Rangers.
While O’Connor is likely to start next season in the AHL anyways, it feels like New York wouldn’t be the top opportunity since the tandem of Henrik Lundqvist at the top with Cam Talbot in the backup role is set. Edmonton has Ben Scrivens, but they have a new general manager. Ottawa could look to upgrade and Vancouver might have an opening if they trade either Ryan Miller or Eddie Lack.
The Toronto native has played all over the place. He played juniors in Ontario before joining the United States Hockey League for a team before he finally committed to Boston University.
In 2013-2014, O’Connor wasn’t the team’s starter and he didn’t put up major numbers. It was his run this past season that has put him on the radar of the league. He went 28-8-5 to led the Terriers to Hockey East regular season and tournament titles, a Beanpot title, and an appearance in the championship game.
From all reports, it seems like O’Connor to the Oilers has the most legs. Keep in mind, their new general manager is Peter Chiarelli, who was in Boston and likely had the opportunity to see O’Connor often.
While O’Connor may go down in infamy at Boston University for his role in their loss, but he has a chance to build a new legacy in the NHL. According to Sportsnet, the Oilers have drafted seven goalies who have played in NHL games in the past ten years. This team might be the best opportunity for O’Connor to see the NHL soon, which might be why they are on his shortlist.