New York Rangers: Chris Kreider Selected In First Round

While much of the attention at tonight's NHL Entry Draft focused on the New York Islanders and their pick John Tavares, the New York Rangers also sought to add depth and youth to their system.

In the first round, picking 19th overall, the Blueshirts selected Center Chris Kreider of Andover High School in Massachusetts.  Kreider, 17, had 56 points in only 26 games while playing for Andover last season and plans to attend Boston College in the fall.

NHL scouts considered Kreider the best high school player in this year's draft and gave  him credit for being a fast learner with a wicked shot.  His size is also an asset.  Standing 6'2" and weighing in at 201 pounds scouts predict that Kreider could develop into a top-notch power forward in the NHL.

But it isn't just physical tools that Kreider brings to the ice.  He's also been described as a natural leader.

"The scouts who see him know what type of tremendous skills he has and he obviously has great physical strength, but he's an absolutely great character kid," Andover Coach Dean Boylan told NHL.com. "He's a great kid off the ice, a presence in the locker room and a young man who is forever looking to get better."

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