New York Rangers: Weekly Minor League News and Notes During the NHL Lockout

"It’s fun to go out there and do what you love to do,” according to Chris Kreider

Understatement, Chris.

Too bad the New York Rangers' prized rookie power forward is having his fun in the AHL, as the National Hockey League continues to suffer through a self-inflicted case of HRR (hockey-related ridiculousness). 

Here's where we currently stand with the lockout:

• The players have just missed their first paychecks.
• The league has just hired a top GOP strategist to run public-relations focus groups to help change perceptions about the situation.
• The prospects of playing a full schedule just keep growing more minuscule by the day.

But...

The prospects throughout the Blueshirts organization are working diligently, with the hopes of playing on the Broadway stage sometime soon.

Want to know how they're doing? Check out this week's rink links:

The Rangers' top 10 prospects are listed here.

How's 2012 first-round pick Brady Skjei doing at the University of Minnesota? All the details are right here.

Graduations to the NHL and trades have left the Rangers prospect pool a bit shallow in certain areas. 

With 22 seasons in the AHL, Connecticut Whale head coach Ken Gernander has a healthy respect for the minor league circuit. 

Here's Jeff Z. Klein of the New York Times reporting on Chris Kreider playing with the Whale.

A former Ranger is back in the fold. Long Island's own Matt Gilroy is back, playing in Connecticut. 

Rookie Center Kyle Jean had a goal and an assist in his pro debut in last Friday's loss for the Whale. Get his thoughts by watching the video here.

Dylan McIlrath, 2010 first-round pick, is put on the spot.

Whale veterans are vying for scouts' attention.

The Michael St. Croix watch continues. Find out how the Rangers' fourth-round selection in 2011 is doing right here.

St. Croix has been listed as one of the top 10 players in the Western Hockey League.

Not known for his scoring, Rangers prospect Oscar Lindberg is having a breakout season in the Swedish Elite League.

The Greenville Road Warriors, the Rangers' East Coast Hockey League affiliate, finalize their regular-season roster.