Rangers sign NCAA defenseman Neal Pionk

The New York Rangers agreed to terms Monday with free-agent defenseman Neal Pionk.

The Rangers secured his services amid much interest around the NHL, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

The 21-year-old played 42 games for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs this season, registering seven goals and 27 assists for 34 points. He also helped the team reach the National Championship, where the Bulldogs lost to the University of Denver.

In 82 total NCAA games, Pionk - who went undrafted by NHL clubs - scored 11 goals and added 40 assists.