Rangers and Canadiens Swap Prospects: Danny Kristo for Christian Thomas

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Derek

UNDSports.com 

In a welcome surprise, Rangers general manager Glen Sather has struck again. The wheeler and dealer swapped prospects with the Canadiens sending Christian Thomas to Montreal for Danny Kristo.

It’s an interesting move. Each are former second round picks. Kristo is two years older and was selected by the Habs in 2008 56th overall. Thomas is the son of former NHLer Steve Thomas. The Rangers tabbed him No.40 in 2010. They have taken different paths in development. The 23-year old Kristo stayed all four years at North Dakota while the 21-year old Thomas went from playing juniors with the Oshawa General of the Ontario Hockey League to completing his first pro season with the Connecticut Whale.

Both players showed improvement in ’12-13. In his senior year at North Dakota, Kristo posted career bests in goals (26) and points (52) garnering College Hockey New Player of the Year and being named one of 10 Hobey Baker finalists. His 26 markers tied for second in the NCAA and 52 points tied him for third in scoring. Over four years spent with the Fighting Sioux, Kristo posted 161 points (68-93-161) in 157 games becoming UND’s first player to average over a point-per-game since current  Blue forward T.J. Oshie. After turning pro, he had three assists in nine games with Montreal AHL affiliate Hamilton. He’s signed for two years. After getting the news, Kristo thanked the Canadiens and is looking forward to being a Ranger.


Just wanted to thank the Montreal Canadiens organization for there support over past couple years. Excited to be a New York Ranger.

While Kristo dazzled at North Dakota, Thomas matured in his first full season with the Whale posting 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points in 73 contests. The Toronto native isn’t the biggest in stature going 5-9 162 but definitely has some scoring ability. His 19 goals placed third on Connecticut and 35 points tied for sixth in scoring. Five of Thomas’ 19 markers came on the power play. He was recalled for one game debuting with the Rangers on Feb.23. Ironically, it came against the Canadiens at Bell Centre. In 17 shifts (12:46), he registered two shots and delivered three hits. Former coach John Tortorella even tried him on the power play (1:35). Considering how he started in the AHL, Thomas adjusted well and might be closer to the NHL than Kristo, who’ll probably need more fine tuning with the Whale.
Having seen him play, I like Kristo. Not very big either at 5-11 185, the right wing can fly. He was part of Team USA’s gold medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships teaming with Derek Stepan. He posted five goals and three assists. Back then, he was more of a puck hog looking for his shot. However, Kristo showed off his playmaking skills this year looking more polished. He certainly can finish. It’s just about how quick he adjusts. On paper, this looks like a good gamble by Sather. Thomas could still develop too. He also can be followed on Twitter. It’ll be interesting to see how it works out.
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About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.
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