Kristo and McDonagh make US Junior team

Canadiens prospects Ryan McDonagh and Danny Kristo have been named to the U.S. junior national team.

McDonagh, who was recently named an assistant captain in only his sophomore year playing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, was a controversial cut from last year's team, so his inclusion this year is no shocker.

But Kristo has to be a bit of surprise considering he's got another year of eligibility remaining, and he's the only the guy on the team who isn't playing either collegiate or major junior hockey. Playing for the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League - the equivalent of Major Junior in Canada - Kristo just signed his letter of intent to play for the Fighting Sioux at the University of North Dakota next season.

Kristo's got six goals and 11 assists in 17 games with Omaha this year, playing in the same league that Max Pacioretty ripped up before playing a single season at Michigan University and then signing his first pro contract. Kristo's point-a-game pace looks pretty nice, but it doesn't tell the whole story because he's been on a tear of late with five goals and six assists in his last eight games.

It's looking like Trevor Timmins and his crew have unearthed another gem from Minnesota, and without the benefit of a first round pick either. Kristo is looking like a steal at 56th overall. Here's what HockeysFuture.com had to say about him prior to the draft.