Zane McIntyre negotiating with Bruins

Hobey Baker Finalist and Mike Richter Award winner Zane McIntyre (via Boston Herald)

According to the Grand Forks Herald, Zane McIntyre is prepared to make the leap into hockey's biggest stage. McIntyre's family advisor confirmed this news and at a great time. McIntyre was the 165th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2010 draft, and it would be perfect timing to join the Boston organization who originally drafted him. Niklas Svedberg signed a one year deal with Salavat in the KHL to get more starting time and that has opened the door to the backup position behind Tuukka Rask. The Mike Richter award winner (best goalie throughout college hockey) could challenge for that backup role against Malcolm Subban, should the team not look elsewhere for a veteran backup. The Bruins and McIntyre are set to negotiate, however, if Boston fails to sign him within 30 days, he can become a free agent and sign with another NHL team. McIntyre has expressed through his advisor that he wants to be a Bruin, and fans of Boston would welcome him with open arms.

This past season, McIntyre was able to carry the University of North Dakota to its second straight NCAA Frozen Four appearance. He posted a .929 save percentage and a 2.05 goals-against average while being named an All American goaltender this past season and has been a clear cut starter since joining UND.

Does the name Zane Gothberg ring a bell at all? Zane Gothberg became Zane McIntyre to honor his grandmother in August of 2014. He's a legitimate candidate to become a starting goaltender in the NHL. Exceptional vision and ability to read plays are just a few of the many qualities that McIntyre has to offer. He also plays a hybrid butterfly style but adopts many of the older stand up style saves as well. This presents somewhat of an issue as rebound control is difficult to manage when making improvised saves. This leaves him to rely on reflexes a little too much where experienced snipers and shooters could expose his hybrid style. Overall, he has stellar natural instincts of the game and can use his height to his advantage, on top of his patience in one on one situations. His reliance on athleticism combined with this hybrid style could take a while to translate to NHL level fundamentals and that's really the only downside.

Zane McIntyre has evolved from a simple project pick to a contender for an NHL roster spot. Here's a sneak preview:


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