Yale goalie Alex Lyon expected to sign NHL deal this week

Alex Lyon, Yale’s first-team All-American goaltender, is expected to forgo his senior season to sign an NHL contract, sources told the Register.

At least a dozen teams are interested. Lyon is in the process of choosing the best offer with his family and an advisor. A decision is expected in the next few days, but, sources said, a deal appears imminent. The only question is the destination. There's been no indication of a which team is the front-runner.

Lyon had roughly a dozen interested NHL suitors last spring, when he led the nation in goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts, but opted to return for his junior year. Keith Allain said at the time he understood Lyon would have a much more difficult time declining the same offers prior to his senior season.  

Scores of NHL scouts and high-ranking front office personnel were fixtures this season at Yale games, home and away. Lyon is once again leading the country in goals-against average (1.64) and tied for second in save percentage (.936). The Bulldogs were eliminated by UMass Lowell in the NCAA East Regional on Saturday night in Albany, New York.

Lyon, an undrafted free agent, is a fourth generation Yale student. His father, Tim, grew up in Wallingford and moved to Baudette, Minnesota to raise a family.

In three seasons, Lyon shattered nearly every goaltending record at Yale. He set the career record for wins (50) earlier this season, and tops career and single-season lists for goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts.