Rangers sign college forward Austin Rueschhoff

The New York Rangers signed forward Austin Rueschhoff to a two-year entry-level contract, theScore has learned. The deal starts in 2020-21.

Rueschhoff, a 22-year-old right winger out of Western Michigan University, scored 12 goals and added 14 assists in 36 games this past season. The 6-foot-7, 230-pound junior had a plus-9 rating and 24 penalty minutes.

An undrafted free agent, Rueschhoff attended an NHL development camp each of the past three summers - the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2017, St. Louis Blues in 2018, and Columbus Blue Jackets in 2019.

Rueschhoff, a native of Wentzville, Missouri, scored a goal in his final college game, an 8-4 win over the University of Miami (Ohio) on March 7.

Five days later, on March 12, the NCAA canceled all remaining winter and spring competition in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

WMU had been scheduled to face off against St. Cloud State University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, during the NCHC quarterfinal round last weekend.