In a report from the Colorado Springs Gazette, the Rangers have apparently signed free agent goaltender Matt Zaba to a professional contract. Drafted in the 8th round of the 2003 draft by the Los Angeles Kings, the 24 year old netminder became a free agent after not being offered a contract by the August 15th deadline.

The 6-1 Yorkton, Saskatchewan native finished out his NCAA eligibility this past season with the Colorado College Tigers. He completed his career with a 55-42-10 record in college and had a career .913 save percentage with a 2.42 goals against average.

Hockey’s Future projects the former Tiger backstopper to be anywhere from an AHL veteran to an NHL starter, but cautions that he is unlikely to ever be a goalie who steals games.

Zaba will join the Rangers as the fifth goaltender under contract, along with Henrik Lundqvist, Stephen Valiquette, Al Montoya and Chris Holt. The Hartford Wolf Pack also have Finnish standout Miika Wiikman signed to an AHL contract, while 2007 second round draft pick Antoine LaFleur will return to the QMJHL for another season.