Canadiens acquire forward Christian Thomas from Rangers for prospect

MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens have acquired forward Christian Thomas from the New York Rangers in exchange for prospect Danny Kristo.

Thomas played one game for the Rangers last season, spending most of his time in the AHL’s Connecticut Whale where he had 19 goals and 35 points in 73 games last season.

The five-foot-nine Toronto native was drafted by the Rangers in the second round of the 2010 draft.

“Christian Thomas is a gifted goal scorer with lots of speed," said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin. "He has been very productive offensively at the junior level with 137 goals before adding 19 more as a rookie with Connecticut in the AHL last season. This young 21-year old forward has shown tremendous character.”

Kristo had 26 goals and 52 points in 40 games with North Dakota University in the 2012-13 season.