New York Rangers prospect Noah Laba has officially signed a two-year entry-level contract starting next season. Until then, he’ll join the Hartford Wolf Pack on an Amateur Tryout, transitioning from the NCAA to the AHL as Hartford fills in for key forwards currently with the Rangers.
This season at Colorado College, Laba tallied 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points in 29 games. While not eye-popping numbers, they indicate his ability to contribute offensively if the Rangers develop him properly. How New York handles its young forwards remains an ongoing concern, but they’ll hope Laba continues to progress.
The Northville, Missouri native stands at 6’2″ and 195 lbs. The Rangers will look to help him further develop his NHL-ready frame, with hopes that the right-shot center can eventually earn a spot in their lineup. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft at #111 overall, Laba has the potential to become a great value pick for New York.
Signing a contract for next season doesn’t guarantee Laba a spot on the NHL roster right away. He’ll need time to adjust to the pro game before getting a shot with the Rangers. However, the team’s decision to use one of their 50 allotted contracts on him signals that they see him as a player worth keeping in their system for the long term.
