The fantasy impact of the latest college free agent signings.

We are roughly one week away from the Frozen Four tournament where we will see the top four teams in U.S. college hockey face off to determine the 2015 NCAA National Champion. With only four teams left, the quality undrafted free agents are getting gobbled up by NHL teams, looking for the next hidden gem. In this week's Capped, we will take a look at a few more of the undrafted college players getting signed by NHL teams, and if they are fantasy worthy for your roster.

Austin Czarnik – RW – Boston Bruins

Contract – TBA

After four years at the Miami University in Ohio, Czarnik has signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins. Czarnik, a former linemate of current Bruin Reilly Smith, has been the captain of the RedHawks for the past two seasons. When Smith was asked about Czarnik, he had this to say:

"He probably did more than what people expected," Smith said. "He's a great passer, very skilled guy and he's got a lot of speed. There are a lot of good parts of his game that he could definitely help this team. My last year there, I was line mates with him for the entire year. He's a good player, and it was a joy playing with him."

The one thing that held Czarnik back has always been his size. The 22-year-old is listed at 5'9" and roughly 167 pounds. Most teams tend to steer clear of the smaller players but as we have seen in recent years, the smaller players aren't scaring away NHL teams like they used to anymore. While there's no denying he's a tad under-sized, he was over a point per game player during his four years in college and had three consecutive seasons over 40 points. He needs to put on a few pounds but that will come. 

The former Hobey Baker finalist was one of the more sought after free agents coming out of college this year. Considering the Bruins cap situation and the history Czarnik has with Smith, he might not be as far away from the NHL as some may think.

The last time the Bruins took a chance on an under-sized college player, it worked out pretty good for them. Torey Krug has been a gem on the blue line since joining the Bruins out of Michigan State. For the record, Krug is also listed at 5'9".

Brody Hoffman – G – Minnesota Wild

Contract – One year, $750,000

The Minnesota Wild, trying to increase their prospect goalie situation, has signed the 24-year-old goalie coming out of the University of Vermont. The contract won't start until next year and he has yet to sign an amateur try-out contract. 

The 6'4" tender had a solid year for the Catamounts, going 13-6-2 in 22 games. He had a 2.06 GAA and a .922 SV%.

The Wild's goaltending situation next year is a bit cloudy and this probably played into his decision to sign with Minnesota, as there were other NHL teams also inquiring about his availability. Currently, the only goalies still under contract with the Wild next season are Darcy Kuemper and Niklas Backstrom. Both of their AHL goalies, John Curry and Johan Gustafsson are free agents and current starter Devan Dubnyk is also an unrestricted free agent so there are opportunities there for Hoffman in the organization. 

Hoffman has an uphill climb before he becomes fantasy relevant. Unless you are in deeper leagues, I don't see much here.

Zach Palmquist – D – Minnesota Wild

Contract – One year, $750,000

After four years at Minnesota State Mankato, Palmquist has signed a one year deal with the Minnesota Wild. The 24-year-old will play in Iowa for the Wild's AHL franchise for the remainder of this year after signing an amateur try-out contract.

Listed at 6'0 and 175 pounds, he was tied for fourth on the Mavericks squad this year with 29 points in 40 games. He chipped in with four power-play goals and 29 PIMs. While he doesn't appear to stand out in many categories for fantasy hockey, he does appear to be a reliable player after appearing in all his team's games over the past four seasons. 

I don't see Palmquist being fantasy relevant any time soon, if at all.

Kyle Baun – RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Contract – Two years, $925,000 cap hit

The 22-year-old has decided to forego his senior season at Colgate and sign a two-year contract with the Blackhawks. 

The grandson of long-time NHL player Bobby Baun, Kyle Baun is a 6'2", 210 pound power forward who still has lots of upside. An excellent skater, he has learned to use his size to battle for the puck in the dirty areas and isn't afraid to go to the net. This is probably a good reason why as many as 18 NHL teams where interested in his services.

While not a high end scorer, he has shown an increase in his point totals in each of his three collegiate seasons, topping out this year at 29 points in 38 games, scoring 14 goals.  He finished the year with 68 PIMs. 

It will be interesting to see how the Blackhawks use Baun, as he has reported to the NHL club instead of heading to the AHL to start his career. He can play in any of the remaining games with the Blackhawks but is ineligible for the playoffs. He will benefit from getting NHL coaching but will probably lose a bit as it's unlikely he will get much playing time down the stretch.

He could project to be a solid third line grinder who chips in offensively time to time.  Definitely worth stashing in the deeper leagues. Chicago, with their pending cap issues, could be turning to kids like this sooner than some expect. 

Joel Rumpel – G – San Jose Sharks

Contract – One year, $750,000

The former Hobey Baker and Mike Richter trophy finalist has completed his education at Wisconsin and has signed a one-year deal with the Sharks. He has signed an amateur try-out contract for the remainder of this year and will report to Worchester in the AHL. His new NHL contract starts next year. 

Rumpel had a record of 53-50-11 and a 2.51 GAA and a .918 SV% during his four year stint with the Badgers where he was their starter for all four years. The last year was a tough one for Rumpel as the Badgers had a less than stellar team in front of him.

Considering the lack of goaltending depth for the Sharks, this could be an important signing for them. As it stands right now, the only goalie they have signed past this year is Alex Stalock. Antii Niemi is an unrestricted free agent and unlikely to return and the other AHL options for the Sharks, Troy Grosenick and JP Anderson, are both restricted free agents.

It`s unlikely that Rumpel will see much NHL time anytime soon, but the Sharks certainly have their fair share of question marks between the pipes for the foreseeable future. If Rumpel can impress, he could climb the ladder quickly. For now, I don't expect much from him anytime soon. 

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