Observations:

February 2017 – The Penguins dealt Kristo and a 2017 second-round draft pick to Carolina for defenseman Ron Hainsey, 35, because Pittsburgh's blueline resembles a slice of Swiss cheese, Olli Maatta is out for at least a month following hand surgery, left knee arthroscopic surgery has sidelined Trevor Daley six weeks, Justin Schultz has a concussion and Kris Letang is day to day with an upper-body injury. Kristo might get a better shot at some NHL duty now that he doesn't have to compete against perhaps the deepest up-front talent pool in the league. Mark Allan

February 2017 – A former second-round speedster, Kristo has never played in an NHL game and, at 26, is running out of time as a prospect. After three straight AHL seasons with at least 22 goals, he has just 11 points in 31 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton since coming from the Chicago Wolves, who used him in a more-prominent role than the powerful AHL Penguins. Kristo will be a UFA after this season. Mark Allan

November 2016 – After Pittsburgh acquired Kristo from St. Louis for 24-year-old defenseman Reid McNeill, the Penguins assigned him to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. The 26-year-old former second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens has scored 20 or more goals in three straight AHL seasons, including 25 goals and 48 points last season with the Chicago Wolves. The University of North Dakota grad, who has two assists in eight AHL outings this season, has yet to appear in an NHL game. Mark Allan

July 2015 – After the Rangers chose not to offer Kristo a contract, he became a free agent. The Blues signed him to a two-way contract on July 2. Given that St. Louis is a very deep team with two talented, NHL-ready offensive forwards in Ty Rattie and Robby Fabbri ready to go, Kristo's best hope of salvaging an NHL career is by dominating the AHL in the year ahead. Dobber

January 2015 – If somebody is on the hot seat in the Rangers organization, it’s definitely Danny Kristo. Since joining the team, Kristo has not impressed the Rangers' front office. The skilled forward spent the past one and half season in minors without any call-up to the parent team. Kristo was an exciting college hockey player but his play hasn't translated to the professional ranks as most projected. He is playing top-six minutes with the Hartford Wolf Pack and plays a skilled game but he needs to improve play better away from the puck in order to justify a call-up. He has 9 goals and eleven assists in 39 games this season in the AHL. Kristo will be an unrestricted free agent when July 1st comes around and it seems like he has no future with the Rangers. If Glenn Sather can get something for him before the March trade deadline, he will be traded to another NHL team. Jozsef Kurtosi

March 2014 – Last summer Montreal traded Kristo to New York, this season Kristo playing top 6 minutes for the Hartford Wolf Pack. The Rangers have let him develop in the AHL all year long. Kristo has started the season well, in the first two months he managed a point-per-game pace thorough 16 games, scoring nine goals and seven assists in that stretch. His performance recently cooled off after his hot star, but Kristo is a creative goal-scoring winger. He has high hockey IQ, excellent vision, and a very quick release. He has all the tools and if he improves his overall play, next year there will be a promotion from the Rangers. Jozsef Kurtosi

May 2013 – Kristo was named to the American IIHF World Championship roster. Eric Daoust

March 2013 – Kristo was named one of the 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award for top college player in the nation. The UND forward finished third in the NCAA in goals (with 24). He also had points in 19 consecutive games at one point. Look for Montreal to sign him to a contract and get him into some AHL games. With an injury or two in the Habs roster, he'll get a look with the big club. – Dobber

December, 2012 – Kristo is off to a great start in his senior season, notching 14 points (five goals) in North Dakota's first ten games. He's stepped in as a leader and is flourishing in his current role as the go-to guy in the offense. His pro career will commence later this season with Hamilton of the AHL. Rich Dillon

February, 2012 – Kristo is in his junior year at the University of North Dakota and has a wealth of international experience playing for Team USA at the World Junior Championships. His 36 points as a freshman earned him the WCHA Rookie of the Year honor in 2010.

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Kristo has the skill and hockey sense to be a solid NHLer. At his age, however, he's looking like a career minor-leaguer.

Footage:

Danny Kristo World Junior highlights:

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