Senators sign Boston University goaltender Matt O'Connor
The Matt O'Connor saga has come to a merciful conclusion.
The Boston University standout netminder, last seen dropping a puck through his legs in the national title game, decided – or at least finally revealed – Saturday that he will embark on his professional career as a member of the Ottawa Senators.
He joins the Senators on a two-year deal, adding to an already bottlenecked position. Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson each have multiple years and considerable term on their current deals and management is believed to have engaged in contract talks with Andrew Hammond, whom they rode to an improbable postseason appearance.
O'Connor would shed light on his decision to join Ottawa's impressive fleet of capable backstops, explaining that he wanted to go somewhere noted for developing goaltenders.
He also touched on the Senators' lengthy courtship, indicating there was a loyalty dynamic associated with his decision.
"It is a little serendipity because they were the first team, Ottawa, to really see NHL potential in me," he said via Stephen Whyno of the Canadian Press.
He also confirmed with reporters that he expects to compete for the starter's job in Binghamton.
Hailing from Toronto, the undrafted O'Connor authored a 25-4-4 record for the Terriers with a 2.18 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in his junior season in the Hockey East ranks.
The deal will reportedly pay him $925,000 plus bonuses, reports the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch.