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We continue our sleeper watch series with an unsung hero during the New York Rangers 2011-12 playoff run.
21-year old left winger Chris Kreider was a key component of the Rangers playoff success. He made his NHL debut in the postseason, posting seven points in 18 games. To step in for the first time and have such an immediate impact, especially in the playoffs, is quite impressive. The emergence of Kreider will most likely earn him a much larger role heading into the 2013 season, which means he should be on many fantasy hockey radars.
Kreider has a great combination of speed and grit. For a guy to be 6’3″, 225 pounds and have the speed that he does is awfully valuable for any hockey team. His strong ability to get to the net could result in some fantasy production for those who use a draft pick on him in the later rounds. Kreider appears to be a capable goal scorer, lighting the lamp 23 times during his last season at Boston College and netting five goals during his playoff appearance. His size could put him on a line with Marion Gaborik and Derek Stepan, two players who aren’t shy when it comes to producing points. While he has only scored five goals in his time in the AHL during the lockout, Kreider continues to get his feet wet, which will only raise the confidence of the youngster.
As long as he is given the opportunity to shine, I believe Kreider will do just that.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy football/hockey columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
