College Free Agent: Matt O'Connor Profile

Image from bu.edu

Matt O’Connor
Age: 23
Position: G
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 205 lbs
School: Boston University
Class: Junior
Date of Birth: 1992-02-14
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario

Craig Custance of ESPN: As of a couple weeks ago, at least 14 teams have shown interest in Matt O’Connor. At least five teams have offered playing time this season, which would burn a year off his contract. Sabres are aggressively going after him. Would think that the Oilers, Hurricanes, Coyotes and Stars are among the teams interested in him.

Darren Dreger: Among the interested teams: Maple Leafs, Senators, Oilers, Canucks, Flames, Sabres and Coyotes

Sean LaFortune of McKeen’s Hockey: On O’Connor, March 4th

A lot of buzz about undrafted Boston University goalie Matt O’Connor. The Toronto native has impressive raw tools that everyone looks for in new-age goaltenders, he’s big (6’6) and athletic. He’s not a puck blocker, but his lateral mobility and agility are impressive. I had the opportunity to see him play twice in Boston this year, and while I can see the intrigue, patience will be required, he’s got a while to go. Very raw from a positional standpoint, he’s almost too mobile, losing his crease and reacting. It’s a cliche, but he needs to learn to allow the game to come to him, as opposed to getting uber aggressive and reactive. That said, a free lunch is a free lunch.

DJ Powers of HockeysFuture: Numbers as of March 5th.

After splitting time with Sean Maguire (PIT) last season, O’Connor has assumed the undisputed starter’s role this season. The Toronto, ON native sports an 18-3-4 record that includes one shutout in 27 appearances. O’Connor’s .800 winning percentage currently leads the nation, while his 18 wins are tied for sixth. One of his more impressive stats is the fact that he has allowed more than three goals just once this season, which came in BU’s 6-5 loss to Northeastern on Feb. 27th. More recently, O’Connor was named one of the 28 nominees for this year’s Mike Richter Award as the nation’s top goaltender.

One of the attributes that makes O’Connor so attractive to NHL teams is his 6’5” and 204-pound frame. He possesses great athleticism and moves remarkably well for such a big netminder. O’Connor has blossomed into one of the nation’s most reliable goaltenders, demonstrating that he can not only keep his teams in games but also help win them. O’Connor is a goaltender who gets better with the more shots that he faces. He has greatly improved limiting second opportunities and is more aggressive in challenging shooters.

Chris Peters of CBS Sports: (March 12th) Has tremendous size. Teammate of Jack Eichel.

Due to his size and his impressive stats, O’Connor is sure to have a long line of GMs with max entry-level contracts in hand. More than a dozen teams are reportedly interested in O’Connor, but that number could grow if he has success in the postseason. With the success Talbot and Ottawa Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond have been enjoying late this season, there’s no telling how big the market for O’Connor could get before he’s ready to sign on the dotted line.

GoTerriers.com: Notes from his junior season.

Hockey East All-Tournament Team … Hockey East Second Team All-Star … Leads Hockey East in winning percentage (.812), fifth in save percentage (.924), and sixth in goals against average (2.27) … Has started 31 games and leads the team in wins (22), save percentage (.928), and goals against average (2.12) … NCAA.com No. 3 Star of the Week (Oct. 28) … Three-time runner-up, Hockey East Goaltender of the Month (Oct., Nov., Dec.) … Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 27) … Five-time Hockey East Top Performer … Picked up his first win of the season and first shutout of his career after making 29 saves in a 1-0 win against Michigan State (Oct. 24) … Made 38 saves in a 3-2 victory over No. 14 Michigan (Oct. 25) … Named Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week and NCAA Hockey No. 3 Star of the Week (Oct. 27) … Made 27 saves in a 5-3 victory at No. 3 Boston College (Nov. 7) … Recorded 27 saves in a 3-1 victory at Maine (Nov. 14) … Made 30 saves in a 4-2 victory over No. 18 Merrimack (Dec. 6) … Made 35 saves en route to a 5-1 victory at RPI (Dec. 13) … Named Hockey East Defensive Player of Week after stopping 63 of 66 shots against in back-to-back wins at No. 12 Vermont (Jan. 23, 24) … Made 30 saves in BU’s victory in the Beanpot final (Feb. 23) … Backstopped BU to a 2-game sweep of Merrimack in the Hockey East quaterfinals, making 43 saves (Mar. 13-14) … Stopped 54 of 58 shots in back-to-back wins in the Hockey East semifinal and final (Mar. 20, 21).