Rangers have interest in NCAA free agent Collin Graf

Per Mollie Walker, the Rangers have interest in top NCAA free agent Collin Graf. Given how entry level contracts work, every team in the NHL likely has some interest in Graf, as most teams can give the exact same contract.

Graf, a center, went undrafted in 2021 after playing for the Boston Jr. Bruins, spent a year at Union College before landing at Quinnipiac. In two seasons with QU, Graf’s production exploded to 1.5 points per game with a line of 43-64-107 in 72 games.

The Rangers are very thin at center, with Bryce McConnell-Barker being the only center of note that projects higher than a 4C. All due respect to Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe, but they don’t have the skill set to move up in the lineup for the long haul.

Graf would instantly become the highest ceiling center prospect in the system and could be solid Filip Chytil insurance. Perhaps he could be a replacement for Vincent Trocheck if the Rangers look to move him after his NMC turns to a limited NTC after the 2024-2025 season. That’s a big IF, of course.

Either way, Collin Graf would be a nice add to a prospect pool that desperately needs some quality centers.