WASHINGTON — Hobey is coming to New York.
The Rangers have signed Boston University free agent defenseman Matt Gilroy, winner of the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s best player, The Post has learned.
Gilroy, the 24-year-old who led the Terriers to the NCAA title last week, received serious bids from a half-dozen teams, notably including the Devils, Maple Leafs and Lightning.
It’s believed the Long Island native, whose father, Frank, played basketball for St. John’s from 1977-81, signed a two-year deal for between $4-5 million.
With his draft status determined prior to the adoption of the current collective bargaining agreement, the BU captain was not subject to the entry-level cap.
Gilroy, who is taking final exams, is eligible to join the AHL Wolf Pack for their playoffs. He cannot play for the Rangers this year.
He will join a growing stable of young defensemen in the organization, including Michael Del Zotto, Bobby Sanguinetti, Mike Sauer, Corey Potter, Tomas Kundratek and current Rangers Marc Staal and Dan Girardi.