The Boston Bruins have announced that goaltender Zane McIntyre has inked a two-year, entry-level contract.
The 22-year-old was originally selected by Boston in the sixth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, but he had the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer. He would have had plenty of suitors too given that his value has skyrocketed since that draft. He had a 2.05 GAA and .929 save percentage in 42 games with the University of North Dakota, which earned him the 2015 Mike Richter award.
The award honors the nation’s top college goaltender. He was also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, but ultimately lost it to Jack Eichel.
“The Bruins are very excited to have Zane as a part of our organization,” said Bruins GM Don Sweeney. “He had a tremendous career at North Dakota and while it was a difficult decision for him to leave, we all feel he is ready to start his pro development and that he will be an NHL goalie.”
It might not take him long before he is an NHL netminder as the Bruins have a vacancy behind Tuukka Rask now that Niklas Svedberg has signed to play in the KHL.