Can The Rangers Land Hobey Baker Finalist Alex Kerfoot?

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We all know the current situation at center for the New York Rangers is one that has a lot of question marks, even with the signing of David Desharnais. What if there was another option to fill that gap? Well, the Rangers could be in luck with Hobey Baker Award Nominee and Harvard captain Alexander Kerfoot. He, just like many other college players in recent years, is holding out on signing with the team that drafted him, which so happens to be the rival New Jersey Devils. This means that if he isn’t signed with the Devils by Aug 15th, he will become a UFA who can choose any NHL club.

Now, the Rangers have made out pretty well in the past with signing these college free agents. In recent years, they have been able to acquire former Chicago draft pick Kevin Hayes and former Nashville draft pick Jimmy Vesey. What the Blueshirts had to offer both of those players was coming to a playoff team, with a good core, and an open roster spot.

Alex Kerfoot, couldn’t come at better time. The Rangers have made some splashes this offseason to become a better team, but they will have an open roster spot. While that is a very alluring option for the 22-year-old Vancouver native, also seeing former Harvard teammate Jimmy Vesey come right into the lineup and play big minutes, makes it that much better. Just like Hayes did with helping Gorton and Drury land Vesey last offseason, Vesey could play a roll in trying to lure Kerfoot to the Rangers?

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Who Is Alex Kerfoot?

Kerfoot is a 22-year-old Vancouver native, who just finished his senior year as captain of the Harvard Crimson. He is a 5’10” offensively gifted, hardworking center with really good speed. In 2015-16, he was second on the team in scoring behind current Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey. He is projected to be a second or third-line center in the NHL. In his last season at Harvard, he put up a career-high 45 points in 36 games, making him a Hobey Baker finalist. During his career at Harvard, he amassed 123 points in 121 games played with a +47.

 

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Obviously, there is still a lot of time for Devils GM Ray Shero to get a deal done, but just knowing that the prospect of him being an option is something Rangers brass and fans, should keep a real close eye on until Aug 15th.

 

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