Team: Unrestricted Free Agent
Claus Andersen

Fantasy Summary

With a big frame and solid defense for the Yale Bulldogs, O’Gara still has lots to prove in the NHL. O’Gara could be useful in a year or two in leagues that count hits, blocks and penalty minutes.


Observations

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April 2020 – O’Gara is playing in the AHL as an unrestricted free agent with no NHL ties. Brayden Olafson
 
March 2019 – As expected, O’Gara has spent the entirety of the 2018-19 campaign suiting up for the Hartford Wolfpack. At 25-years-old, he’s practically fantasy irrelevant and showing no signs of turning the tide on that adage any time soon. If he manages to make his way back to the NHL in the years ahead, it’s unlikely to be in the Rangers organization. Brayden Olafson
 
June 2018 – Ivy Leaguer O’Gara who had begun to look pigeon-holed in the Bruin’s system was an expendable piece for the B’s to acquire a true top-6 defender at the deadline in Nick Holden. The Rangers also received a third-round pick in the deal, making it look pretty good for them at this point in time. In his time with the Blueshirts, O’Gara did little to prove he could be a major factor in a legitimate NHL lineup, and is probably more-suited as an AHL defender, at least until his foot speed and hockey IQ can adjust to a higher pace of play. His RFA status could see him leaving the team altogether, however with the Rangers current state of transition, he could be a worthy mentor in the AHL, and potential emergency call-up. Brayden Olafson
 

September 2017 – O’Gara is likely destined for another full season with the Providence Bruins. O’Gara, though a relatively solid defender, has been surpassed on the Bruins’ depth chart by the likes of Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo. O’Gara may get a look if there are some injuries on the Boston blueline this season but he’s not a legitimate threat for significant playing time. Mike Drover

October 2016 – The fifth-round draft pick in 2011 is getting a look with the Bruins this fall. O’Gara has spent the past four years honing his skills in the NCAA for Yale University, where he amassed 14 goals and 37 assists over four seasons with the Bulldogs. O’Gara has a big frame and is no stranger to throwing his body around. With his 41 PIMs in 30 games for the Bulldogs last year, the Bruins will lean on O’Gara to provide some added physicality to their blueline.

While O’Gara did have a fantastic camp, this opportunity is likely because of injuries to Adam McQuaid and Kevan Miller. Regardless, this is a great opportunity for O’Gara, who has all the tools required to be a solid defensive defender in the NHL. It would be no surprise to anyone if O’Gara managed to hang onto a spot with the Bruins if his fine play continues throughout the fall. Mike Drover

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 2.0
NHL Certainty 1.5
Country USA
Position D
Roster Type Free Agent
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth July 6, 1993
Height 6‘4”
Weight 207 lbs
Drafted 2011 Round 5; Overall: 151

Stats

 Season Team League GP G A TP PIM      Playoffs GP G A TP PIM 
 2005-2006 New York Jr. Islanders QC Int PW- - -- -|        
 2007-2008 Long Island Royals 14U AAAAYHL 14U27 1 67 22|        
 2008-2009 Long Island Royals 16U AAAAYHL 16U17 1 45 16|        
 2009-2010 Long Island Royals 16U AAAAYHL 16U33 8 1725 48|        
 2010-2011 Milton Academy USHS-Prep30 2 79 22|        
 2011-2012 Milton Academy USHS-Prep24 5 2025 -|        
 2012-2013 Yale Univ.NCAA37 0 77 32|        
 2013-2014 Yale Univ.NCAA33 4 711 30|        
 2014-2015 Yale Univ.NCAA33 6 1521 31|        
 2015-2016 Yale Univ.NCAA30 4 812 41|        
  Providence BruinsAHL5 1 01 4|        
 2016-2017 Boston BruinsNHL3 0 00 0|        
  Providence BruinsAHL59 4 913 30|Playoffs3 0 00 4 
 2017-2018 Boston BruinsNHL8 0 00 0|        
  Providence BruinsAHL43 2 68 16|        
  New York RangersNHL22 0 33 6|        
 2018-2019 Hartford Wolf PackAHL47 3 811 64|        
 2019-2020 San Antonio RampageAHL5 0 00 6|        
  Springfield ThunderbirdsAHL20 3 36 4|        
 2020-2021 Hershey BearsAHL26 1 34 33|        

Highlights