The Montreal Canadiens have announced that Danny Kristo has finally signed an entry-level contract, five years after he was drafted by the organization in the second round of 2008.
The dynamic young forward will report to the Bulldogs to begin with, although there’s a chance that he could see some games with the Canadiens before the season ends and in the playoffs, especially when the AHL season ends.
Kristo signed a 2 year deal with the Habs, meaning that he’ll burn one of those years off this season, and be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2013-14 season.
Kristo is one of the fastest skaters in the organization, possibly even the fastest, and gives the Canadiens even more depth at forward. The right winger can make plays at top speed, which instantly puts him at the top of the Bulldogs call up list if a skilled forward is injured.
Official Press Release:
MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Wednesday the signing of forward Danny Kristo to a two-year contract (2012-13 and 2013-14). He will report to the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs.
In 40 games with the WCHA’s North Dakota University this season, Kristo collected 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists). Six of his goals were scored on the powerplay and two while shorthanded. He finished tied for second in the NCAA in goals and points, and tied for third in the NCAA with six winning goals. Kristo maintained a +17 differential and served 24 penalty minutes. He added one goal in two games at the 2013 NCAA Division 1 Championship, with a +2 differential and eight shots on goal. He was named as one of the Top 10 Finalists for the 2013 Hobey Baker Memorial Award honoring annually college hockey’s top player.
Kristo, 22, recorded 161 points (68 goals, 93 assists) in 157 games since his college debut with North Dakota in 2009-10. The 5’11” and 188 lbs forward served 83 penalty minutes.
A native of Edina, Minnesota, Kristo was selected in the second round, 56th overall by the Canadiens at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
