New York Rangers Prospects Most Likely to Be Called Up in 2013-14

The New York Rangers are lucky to have a number of prospects who are close to making an impact in the NHL.

These prospects weren't able to make the roster due to the Rangers' impressive depth. However, they are very talented and have a bright future in the organization.

Which prospects are most likely to be called up in the 2013-14 season?

Read on to find out. 

Danny Kristo

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Danny Kristo had a nice preseason.

The winger is a good skater with a great shot. His offensive skills were on display when he was with the University of North Dakota. In his senior season last year, Kristo scored 26 goals and had 26 assists.

He's already taken to the AHL quite well. In just two games, he has three points and four shots.

If the Rangers are starved for offense, then Kristo would be a nice option. Alain Vigneault was impressed with him in the preseason, telling Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, “I liked Kristo’s game tonight. I thought he showed some real poise and some really good offensive abilities.”

Kristo will be able to help out on the power play and could even play second-line minutes. Kristo is too talented to not contribute to the Rangers this season. 

Chris Kreider

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Chris Kreider has yet to turn his playoff magic into regular-season success.

Kreider has scored six goals in 26 career playoff games, but only two in 23 regular-season games. His camp was only decent, and he has yet to translate his speed and power into consistent results.

He does have two points in two games in the AHL thus far.

Kreider probably has the most pure talent of any Rangers prospects. Based on his talent, he should be up with the big club now. With Carl Hagelin out for at least nine more games, Kreider could end up replacing Jesper Fast if the latter falters on the fourth line. He is an elite prospect.

One day, it should all click. It would be a shock if he wasn't up with the big club at one point. Will he be able to make the most of it? 

That remains to be seen.

Conor Allen

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If any of the Rangers defensemen is out for a long time, then don't be surprised if Conor Allen gets tabbed as a replacement. 

Allen was solid in the preseason and was a viable candidate to make the team. Alain Vigneault was really impressed, telling Rick Carpiniello of LoHud.com:

"

The player who really caught our attention was Conor Allen. He, I wasn’t in Traverse City but he didn’t really catch attention but as soon as he stepped on the ice with us he was really good. Good stick, good percentage plays. Basically the job we had available is that seventh spot and he is a young guy that needs to play. Hartford is an hour-and-a-half away and is an easy call-up if we need him.

"

Allen won't get much playing time on the roster now, and playing in the AHL gives him time to develop his game. He is steady, consistent, always makes the right plays and projects as a steady, stay-at-home defenseman.

Injuries are part of the game. Right now, Allen is a better option than Stu Bickel or Justin Falk. He has a bright future with the Rangers, and it could start as soon as this season.

Oscar Lindberg

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Oscar Lindberg is a promising young center. He is a good passer and has excellent defensive skills. He dominated in the prospects camp at Traverse City, where he was probably the Rangers' best prospect.

After playing in Sweden, Lindberg needs some time to adjust to the smaller rinks of North America.

However, he's too talented to stay in the AHL for long. Lindberg projects as a potential second-line center. And while the Rangers have a lot of depth at center, he could end up replacing Brian Boyle before the season is through.