As per CapGeek, the Rangers have come to terms with 2009 third round draft pick Ryan Bourque. Bourque has had two excellent seasons with the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, averaging a point per game in his two seasons. This past season, Bourque put together a line of 26-31-57 in 47 games. Many of us had the opportunity to watch Bourque play as a member of Team USA at the World Junior Championships for the past two years, where Bourque had strong showings. Bourque is currently the #11 prospect in the Rangers system, and projects out to be anywhere from a top-six forward to a fourth line player. Similar to Hagelin, Bourque’s speed is his greatest asset, but his size may get in his way.

Bourque signed a three year entry-level deal, which would result in a $656,667 cap hit should he play for the Rangers for the duration of this deal. The deal, like all entry-level deals, is a two-way contract.

Update 4:45pm: The Rangers have also signed 2010 first round draft pick Dylan McIlrath to an entry level contract. Terms of the deal are still unknown, but since it’s entry level, it will be a three year deal.

Both of these signings surprise me a little bit, as both are still too young to play in the NHL. Also, both of these deals give the Rangers the maximum allowable contracts of 50 signed players. That means any deal with Carl Hagelin will have to wait until the Rangers clear a contract.

These signings count towards next year’s 50 contracts, not this year. It still leaves the Rangers with seven open contract spots.

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