The Kerfoot Kerfuffle: ex-Harvard forward’s decision reportedly down to Sharks, Rangers

Former Harvard forward Alex Kerfoot is expected to decide on his NHL future today, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger. Kerfoot’s decision will, apparently, come down to the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks, according to Newsday’s Arthur Staple.The Sharks, Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, and New York Islanders were the five finalists as of Tuesday night, Dreger reported then.

A 2012 fifth-round pick of the New Jersey Devils, Kerfoot opted not to re-sign and became an unrestricted free agent on August 15. He co-captained the Crimson last year, scoring a career-high 16 goals after scoring just 20 the previous three seasons, and leading Harvard with 29 assists. Those 16 goals came after scoring just four during his junior season in 2015-16 season, and he was buoyed by a 9% increase in his shooting percentage (16.2% in 2016-17) and 45 more shots on goal as a senior.

Friend of the Blog Kevin Kurz speculated that Kerfoot would have a chance to play right away with the Sharks, given the lack of forward depth. Puck Daddy’s Ryan Lambert, who covers college hockey, is not as high on the Harvard graduate. In an article earlier this month, he explained why:

[H]e looks to me a lot more like an AHL guy for a few years at least; teams should look to sign him because he helps the organization, but he’s not making an NHL impact for a while, if ever. Only one NCAA season with a double-digit goal total, he’s also 23, etc.

We’ll continue to update you as the Kerfoot Kerfuffle reaches its conclusion.