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UMass-Amherst junior defenseman Conor Allen is expected to sign an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers in the next few days and join the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of this season.
The Chicago, Illinois native scored five goals and added 14 helpers in 33 games this season for the Minutemen. Allen played one season in the NAHL with the St. Louis Bandits then joined the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL before matriculating to UMass-Amherst.
Allen is definitely a pro-ready defenseman who has terrific vision up ice. He will be an asset on the power play in the AHL. It is expected that Allen could join the Whale as early as Saturday for their game against the Springfield Falcons.
Allen leaves a UMass-Amherst team that missed the playoffs this season under first year head coach John Micheletto. There have been rumors swirling around several UMass underclassmen since the Minutemen's season ended March 9th. The Minutemen have had a rash of early signings over the past few years including one off-season when they lost three prominent underclassmen.
Jeff Cox covers college hockey for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.