Jesper Fast is one of several prospects looking to impress the Rangers.
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One of the most exciting aspects of training camp is getting the chance to see prospects. With Derek Stepan unsigned and Ryan Callahan uncertain for the season opener, the Rangers have a few kids worth following.

Danny Kristo was acquired from Montreal for Christian Thomas. A four-year star at North Dakota, the 23-year old forward is expected to challenge for a roster spot. He totaled 161 points for the Fighting Sioux. That included 68 goals and 93 assists. A fast skater with good hands, he can score and set up teammates. Considered a finished product by some, he’ll get the chance to prove it. He should have  chemistry with Chris Kreider. They played together with Stepan helping Team USA win gold at the 2010 World Junior Championship.

Oscar Lindberg is another forward Garden Faithful are excited about. He was also traded for with the Blueshirts picking him up from Rangers West Phoenix in exchange for Ethan Werek. While many of the deals with the Yotes haven’t panned out, there’s more hope for Lindberg, who has shot up the charts. He followed a monster season in which he put up 42 points (17-25-42) with Skelleftea AIK-Sweden by turning heads at Traverse City. Listed at center, the 21-year old might force his way onto the roster.

Dylan McIlrath has come into camp focused. The former 2010 first round pick has spent lots of time working with former Ranger bruiser Jeff Beukeboom. Still just 21, the big physical defenseman the club selected over Cam Fowler is hoping to make the team. Finally feeling fully recovered from a dislocated knee that cost him part of last year, McIlrath is ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

“It means I have to win a spot. They’ve got a lot of veteran d-men, and if I am going to make this team I’m going to have to beat a really good player out. I just want to make the coaches and management have a tough decision,” he told Blueshirts United’s Jim Cerny.  “ They told me they want me to be here. If I’m ready they’ll definitely give me a shot, have to prove I can play at this level. ”

Even with a crowded blue line that includes Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Anton Stralman, Mike Del Zotto, John Moore along with newcomers Justin Falk and Aaron Johnson, having a tough defenseman can’t hurt. Especially if Mac proves ready. We don’t know how good Staal will be. The D doesn’t exactly intimidate opponents.

Michael St. Croix is likely another year away. The 20-year old center had another strong season with the Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League. He finished with 92 points (37-55-92) and added 26 (13-13-26) in the playoffs. A former 2011 fourth round pick, St. Croix turned heads during yesterday’s scrimmage beating Henrik Lundqvist top shelf. He has some skill but still needs work on his skating and defensive part of the game. Figure him to start in Hartford and learn the pro game under Ken Gernander.

Jesper Fast is the other Swedish forward to keep an eye on. The 21-year old right wing who the Rangers took in the sixth round of 2010 might be one of those gems similar to fellow Swede Carl Hagelin. The speedy forward had a strong year with HV 71 Jonkoping in Sweden posting 35 points (18-17-35). He also scored in his Whale debut. In Traverse City, he teamed with Kristo and Lindberg to form a potent top line. He tallied twice in the Rangers’ only win over the Wild.

J.T. Miller is already ahead of the curve. Still only 20, the Rangers 2011 first round pick already has a pro year under his belt. The center who’s not afraid to get the jersey dirty split ’12-13 with Connecticut and the Rangers. The speed of the game didn’t seem like a problem. However, he needed more fine tuning after posting four points (2-2-4) in 26 games with the big club. Miller totaled 23 points (8-15-23) in 42 games with the Whale. It’s easy to forget that he was only a rookie. A heady player who led Team USA with nine points (2-7-9) en route to gold at the 2013 WJC, he’s kind of been forgotten. He’s dealing with an injury that limited him the first two days. Some more time in Hartford can’t hurt his development.

Marek Hrivik is someone Alain Vigneault wants to see more of. My guess is you’ll probably see him in the Rangers first exhibition game Monday at New Jersey. The 22-year old Slovak is a talented left wing who put up 26 points (7-19-26) in 40 contests last year for the Whale. The Rangers signed the undrafted free agent to a three-year entry level contract on May 30, 2012 following a tryout with Connecticut in which he netted an assist in eight games. Hrivik represented Slovakia twice at the WJC totaling three goals. He spent three years with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Twice, he hit 70 or more points. Maybe there’s something here. As seen below, he’s got some moves.

That’s seven players we highlighted. The Rangers are also taking a look at Andrew Yogan, who captained the team at Traverse City. The former 2010 fourth round pick spent time in the ECHL with Greenville (9-3-12 in 15 GP) before tallying 19 points (7-12-19) in 43 games with the Whale. He notched two goals in our prospects’ 5-2 come from behind win over the Wild. Yogan took a lot of pride in being named captain. Here, we see him and other notables experience at the rookie tournament.

Other players trying to impress the coaching staff include Ryan Bourque, Josh Nicholls, Conor Allen and Sam Noreau. Vet defenseman Danny Syvret is also in camp. A former Flyer trying to catch on.