Looking Into The Future

Courtesy Kory Wallen, UNDsports.com

Danny Kristo, RW, 5’11”, 185 pounds

Date of Birth: June 18, 1990

Previous team: North Dakota Fighting Sioux (NCAA Division 1)

Draft: 55th Overall, 2008 by the Montreal Canadiens.

Danny Kristo finished his senior campaign at North Dakota and signed a  two-way deal with the Montreal Canadiens in the spring of 2013. He had impressive numbers, which included 26 goals and 26 assists in his final year at the collegiate level. Impressive numbers indeed. Later that year, he was traded in July to the New York Rangers for Christian Thomas. His journey begins now. Kristo is an explosive winger who possesses speed with every stride and has a good shot and accuracy. Scouts say he also has the ability to shoot with great accuracy at full speed. A pretty tough feat to do at any level. His release is quick and has good puck handling skills. He sounds like a very promising player. The only knock on him is he lacks consistency sometimes, but that can change with some hard work.

Kristo was the NCAA active scoring leader, rookie of the year in 2009-2010, notched 68 goals and 93 assists in 155 games and was also a Hobey Baker finalist. This doesn’t include the numerous awards he has received which include the UND Virg Foss 3-Star Award for two straight seasons. It’s given to the player who receives the most 3-star voting points from print media following home games. He also won the Cliff “Fido” Purpur Award which is awarded to the player who exemplifies hard work, determination, and being a creator of excitement on the ice. His teammates and coach say he thrives in the spotlight, has a NHL level skill-set and expects to rise to the occasion when needed.

Quotes:

“He’s one of the best offensive talents I’ve seen in my years of closely following college hockey.” – Joe Gradziszewski, InsideCollegeHockey.comn

“His blinding speed, good puck skills and slick release give him that edge-of-your-seat quality.” – Chris Peters, CBSSports.com