Earlier this month, the Boston University hockey program lost one of their top commits, as Roman Schmidt signed with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. Schmidt is ranked 58th among North American skaters for the upcoming 2021 NHL Entry Draft, after two strong years in the U.S. National Team Development Program. Well, the Terriers have moved quickly to replace the outgoing defenseman, as Mark Divver of Rinkside Rhode Island reports that Ty Gallagher will be headed to BU instead of Notre Dame.
According to NHL Central Scouting, the move from Schmidt to Gallagher is actually an upgrade, though just slightly. The latter is ranked 53rd among North American skaters for this year’s draft after his own successful season in the USNTDP. Gallagher, 18, is a much different player than the 6’6″ Schmidt but has had plenty of success so far in his amateur career. At the U18 World Junior tournament, he led all defensemen in goals and has been able to create that kind of offense at every step, including 19 goals for the USNTDP this year.
The different decisions between Schmidt and Gallagher for the next step in their hockey careers will have rippling effects over the next few months. While the former will be able to sign his entry-level deal as soon as possible, Gallagher will have to wait and only sign an NHL contract once he has decided to leave school.