The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with goaltender Al Montoya, the club's first round draft pick from the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Al is one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey and we are extremely pleased to have signed him," stated Rangers GM Glen Sather. "We feel this will be a big step for Al in advancing his development. He has been working extremely hard this summer and we are looking forward to seeing him on the ice at training camp in September."
Montoya, 20, appeared in 40 games as a junior with the University of Michigan Wolverines last season, posting a 30-7-3 record, along with a 2.52 goals against average and a .895 save percentage.
The 6-1, 201-pound goaltender appeared in 123 career CCHA contests with the Wolverines, posting a 86-29-8 record, along with a 2.36 goals against average.
A graduate of the United States National Team Development Program, Montoya has represented the United States on several occasions. As a member of Team USA at the 2004 World Junior Championships, Montoya backstopped the club to the country's first-ever gold medal finish. In the tournament, he started all six contests, posting a 1.33 goals against average and a .944 save percentage, along with two shutouts.
The Glenview, Illinois native was the Rangers first selection, sixth overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.