Every Friday we look ahead to a different aspect of the future of the Rangers organization. This week we take a look at what may be the Rangers #1 prospect. There’s a very good chance that Massachusetts born Chris Kreider is the best offensive prospect the Rangers have even though the Rangers are fortunate to have a few  very promising ones coming up the system.

Drafted 19th overall (and looking every bit the steal) Kreider has developed at a rapid pace to the point where he was a teen college player invited to play for the senior USA world championship team and to the point where GM Glen Sather declared Kreider ready for NHL play. On top of that Sather admitted he tried to sign the blue chip talent this summer. The fact Sather even commented publicly on a negotiation of this kind is compliment enough. So where is Kreider at right now and when will Rangers fans a) see him in Ranger blue and b) see him as an impact player?

Kreider has gone on record that he intends to turn pro a year from now. This was backed up by Rangers beat writer Jim Cerny on twitter. Kreider already has the pro physique standing a solid 6’2 220lbs while he is genuinely regarded as one of the most explosive skaters around. His size and excellent speed could, should prove to be a deadly combination.

Last season as a college rookie Kreider started slowly but his learning curve really took off. Highlighted by spectacular goals in big games Kreider ended with a solid return of 15 goals and 23 points and a +25 rating in 38 games for Boston College as they won the NCAA frozen four, with the final also featuring Kreider scoring. On the USA WJC gold medal team Kreider exploded for 6 goals in 7 games where he also showed the world his clutch play and ability to raise his game. All in all it was a highly successful first year post-draft for Kreider which was topped off by his senior WC appearance.

But it isn’t all plain sailing at this stage. Puck prospectus ran a recent post discussing prospects from the latest World Junior Camps and had mixed news to report on Kreider from the camp and the exhibition games.

Kreider was a guy who didn’t show up on the radar that much but when he did it was in great fashion. His off the puck play wasn’t great and at times would be out of position and just seem lost in the play. He did aggressively attack the puck when it was near him and he jumped on potential scoring chances. The second Kreider got an inch of space and his skating created clear separation from the defenders and allowed him to wire his plus shot.

The report seems to indicate a few things. Kreider still needs to learn the intricacies of positional play and working without the puck, something that a lot of young players need to improve on but it also highlights his exceptional raw talents. His speed truly is game breaking, his shot is dangerous and he’s willing to aggressively go after the puck when he doesn’t have it. All that bodes well however it seems Kreider was right, at this stage to stay in the NCAA one more year.

Kreider is in a strong program in BC and will no doubt further refine his game before he turns pro. What can we expect from him in 12 months? Looking at the current Rangers roster there will be every opportunity for him to break into the line up as a rookie pro. One has to assume Prospal wont be back for a third year, Todd White for a 2nd (assume he makes it past this years camp) and its hard to imagine guys like Christensen being road blocks for an eagerly anticipated talent like Kreider. Given that Dubinsky and Callahan’s deals expire in 12 months there may be a lot of change in NY once more.

Given his play with the senior USA squad the AHL should pose a still-maturing Kreider no serious opposition. If he went there it’s fair to expect a big offensive year. However given the need for an aggressive forecheck in NY, given the need for more offense, more size and speed Kreider really has a chance to make the Rangers. Top 6 as a rookie? Why not. The expectations are big for Kreider but he’s already shown a habit for winning and scoring big goals. A strong offensive season in NY a year from now wouldn’t take many by surprise.

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