There are many, many reasons why Rangers management sees a bright future for the team's 2009 first rounder Chris Kreider. There is his blazing on-ice speed, his soft hands and wickedly quick release on his shot. There is also his tremendous work ethic, intelligence, and passion to be at the top of his craft. And it doesn't hurt that he wins everywhere he goes---2 NCAA Championships at Boston College, a gold and bronze medal in two turns with Team USA at the World Championships.
Then last spring he burst on to the NHL scene under the most pressure-packed of circumstances, making his NHL debut during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he scored five goals and totaled seven points in 18 games.
Now he will start the 2012-13 season, his first as a professional, next weekend in the Connecticut Whale's training camp. With Rangers camp on hold temporarily, management wants its top prospect to continue to develop and craft his game as a pro at the AHL level, and Jeff Gorton, the Rangers Assistant General Manager, expects Kreider to do exactly that with the Whale.
See what Gorton has to say about Chris Kreider starting the season with the Whale, then share your thoughts below.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
For complete coverage of the team, follow @thenyrangers and @jimcerny on Twitter.
