Former Montreal Canadiens second-round pick, 56th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Danny Kristo, has retired from professional hockey at the age of 34.
“After a difficult summer and major surgery, I decided to end my professional career. As soon as I put on skates at the age of two, I immediately developed a passion for the game. Throughout my career, I was fortunate enough to represent the United States, playing for the best university program in the country, and to spend 11 years in some of the most beautiful countries in the world. I would like to thank my family for their sacrifices, as well as my coaches, fans and volunteers. Some of the friendships I have made will last my entire life and beyond. Thank you for supporting me in the locker room and respecting my superstitions. Looking to the future, I look forward to working with players in North America and Europe to help them achieve their goals. »
After five seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL), the forward continued his career in Europe, where he played in prestigious leagues such as the KHL, the National League in Switzerland, the DEL in Germany and many others . He played his final games in 2023-24 with the Coventry Blaze in the EIHL.
The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens at the time, Marc Bergevin, traded Kristo to the New York Rangers on July 2, 2013 in exchange for right winger Christian Thomas.
In Montreal, he is also remembered for his outing in the snow which almost cost him a few toes.
Photo credit: André Turcotte
