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Torts: Chris Kreider 'Fighting For A Spot' On Rangers' Roster

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Young gun Chris Kreider might want to write the Rangers' opener in pencil.

The fan favorite "is still fighting for a spot" on the roster, coach John Tortorella said Monday.

Kreider signed with New York last April, fresh off his second NCAA championship with Boston College. He had some hiccups -- mostly on defense -- but was impressive in the Big Apple spotlight as a newcomer to the NHL.

Kreider scored five goals and had two assists, his debut coming in the heat of the Stanley Cup playoffs. But Tortorella wants to see more.

"He's still young, a kid that came in and played some really good games and then was God awful in some games during the playoffs," Tortorella said, according to the New York Daily News. "He has the gift of skating, he's a big strong kid."

He added: "To get on the ice, you've got to help yourself and help the team defensively. You can't hurt them. And that makes me feel more comfortable to get him on the ice."

Still, Kreider is expected to be on the roster Saturday when the Rangers take on the Bruins in Boston, the Daily News reported.

"I don't feel settled," Kreider told the paper. "I'm not proven, but I feel like I'm pushing myself. I'm not settled. I like that, though."

Come on, Kreider is a lock for the roster... right? Sound off in the comments!

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