Three Prospects On Team USA

The Rangers will be heavily represented on Team USA for the IIHF World Junior Championships in December / January. Three prospects will be joining Team USA: Chris Kreider (1st, 2009), Ryan Bourque (3rd, 2009) and Derek Stepan (2nd, 2008).

Although Kreider is struggling a little bit in college, it is a great sign that he was selected to be on this team. The pick of Kreider last June wasn’t meant to pay dividends until at least 3-4 years down the road, and this is one of those steps in a positive direction.

As for Bourque and Stepan, well they are both putting up great numbers in their respective leagues (Bourque – QMJHL, Stepan – NCAA). Personally, I’m very high on Stepan, and can’t wait until he (and teammate Ryan McDonagh) comes to play for the Rangers.