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Vitali Kravtsov

East Notes: Kravtsov, Svechnikov, McDonagh

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New York Rangers fans learned more than a week ago that prospect Vitali Kravtsov would be loaned to his former team, Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL this coming season. However, a small wrinkle developed since as Traktor announced the transaction this morning, revealing that Kravtsov was going to spend the entire season with their team.

That was contrary to general beliefs that the 20-year-old Russian would spend time in North America with a chance to win a roster spot with the Rangers in 2020-21. Up until now, most teams are loaning their prospects overseas with the ability to recall them for NHL training camps whenever that will be. That may not be the case here, although a recent report from USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano suggests that the Rangers can recall him at any time. However, the scribe adds that the team could very conceivably leave him in Russia for the entire KHL season, although the team will likely wait to see how he fares.

Kravtsov, who had a tumultuous first pro season in which he split time between the AHL, KHL, VHL and then back to the KHL, isn’t expected to automatically win a spot on the Rangers roster and with the AHL season being pushed back until December, it makes lots of sense to allow him to develop for a full season in the KHL to develop his skills. Whether New York will recall him for training camp in November or December isn’t clear, but it should be noted that unless Traktor makes the playoffs, he could be available to join the Rangers in late February or after his team is eliminated in the playoffs, which means he could be available to join the Rangers with plenty of season left in the NHL.

  • NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti reports that Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov, who suffered what looked to be a severe ankle sprain during the team’s series against the Boston Bruins, said he’s feeling 100 percent and believes that he would be able to play now for the Hurricanes had the team managed to get past Boston in the first round. Svechnikov was a key component to the team’s success with four goals and seven points in six playoff games before being injured in Game 3. The Hurricanes lost consecutive one-goal games in Games 4 & 5, suggesting his play could have made the difference in the series.
  • The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh for Game 4 in a key game against the Boston Bruins, according to The Athletic’s Joe Smith. McDonagh, who has been out since suffering an undisclosed injury in Game 1, will be replaced once again with two defensemen as the team is expected to play Braydon Coburn and Luke Schenn as the team will go with seven defensemen for a second straight game.

 

New York Rangers To Loan Vitali Kravtsov To KHL

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The New York Rangers have decided to send Vitali Kravtsov back to the KHL, at least for now. Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that Kravtsov will be loaned back to Traktor Chelyabinsk for the 2020-21 season.

It’s been a very interesting year for Kravtsov, the ninth-overall pick from 2018. Last September it seemed as though he may challenge for a roster spot in the NHL with the Rangers, but after failing to make the team and being sent to the minor leagues things quickly went awry. Kravtsov was a healthy scratch for the Hartford Wolf Pack and played just five minor league games before exercising his European Assignment Clause to return to the KHL.

Less than two months after arriving in Russia though, he ended up back on a plane to Hartford where he spent the rest of the season. In all, Kravtsov played just 11 games for Traktor (scoring three points) while suiting up 39 times for the Wolf Pack. Splitting 50 games between two different leagues (and continents), while scoring only 18 points certainly isn’t the usual path for a top prospect with as much skill as Kravtsov, but that’s exactly what happened in this case.

Brooks does not specify whether Kravtsov will be back for NHL training camp in a few months, but even if he did there’s no telling for certain at this point. What is important, at least for fans of the Rangers hoping for another top offensive weapon, is that he’s going to be getting into game action quickly and (hopefully) consistently. Still just 20 years old, Kravtsov has a long playing career ahead of him and years of development to go.

Vitali Kravtsov Expected To Return From KHL

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After a recent demotion to the minor leagues in Russia, it appears as though Vitali Kravtsov will instead make his return to North America. Several reports out of Russia along with Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post have the top prospect returning to the New York Rangers organization after being loaned overseas earlier this season. Kravtsov made headlines when he decided to go to the KHL instead of continue in the AHL, but just a few days ago Rangers GM Jeff Gorton told Cyrgalis that he had reached out to the young forward’s agent in hopes of getting him back to the Hartford Wolf Pack.

The 19-year old Kravtsov was the ninth overall selection in 2018 and had a strong season in 2018-19 with Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL. After signing his entry-level contract with the Rangers he came close to cracking the opening night roster this year, but instead was sent to Hartford to continue his development. After just five AHL games the team and Kravtsov worked out an agreement to have him return to the KHL, where he scored three points in 11 games for Traktor before the demotion.

An important part of the Rangers future, Kravtsov’s playing time and development is obviously something the team wants to control. When he was in the KHL that wasn’t the case, but returning to North America also doesn’t guarantee him huge minutes in the minor leagues. There is still a long way to go for the 6’3″ winger if he wants to be a full-time, impact player at the NHL level.

Vitali Kravtsov Headed To KHL

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New York Rangers prospect Vitali Kravtsov won’t be playing in the minor leagues much longer, but that doesn’t mean he’s on his way to the NHL. The young forward will exercise his European Assignment Clause to return to the KHL and sign with Traktor Chelyabinsk, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

It is important to note that this does not void his entry-level contract and the Rangers will retain control of Kravtsov. In fact, they could actually recall him from the KHL at any point this season if they want to bring him to the NHL. It does not mean that they will have to fight to convince him to come back over next season.

For the player, the reasoning for this move is obvious. Kravtsov had played just five games for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL this season, sitting as a healthy scratch for one game and being benched for long stretches of several others. In the KHL he will likely be given a bigger opportunity, though the Rangers will not have as much control over his development.

Selected ninth overall in 2018, there are few prospects in the league that posses as much upside as Kravtsov. The 19-year old winger has a long reach and staggering puck skills, but can fall into the habit of staying to the outside and not contributing when he is away from the puck.

Latest On Vitali Kravtsov

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This season hasn’t gone according to plan for New York Rangers prospect Vitali Kravtsov. Coming into training camp it seemed as though the 19-year old was destined for a roster spot in the NHL and a chance to show exactly what he can do after scoring 21 points in the KHL last season. Unfortunately that didn’t work out as planned and Kravtsov was sent to the minor leagues to start the year, and then subsequently made a healthy scratch by the Hartford Wolf Pack. With one assist in three games for Hartford to date, rumblings are now beginning over where Kravtsov will spend the rest of the year.

His entry-level contract does include a European Assignment Clause, which he could exercise at some point to return to the KHL, should he be kept in the minor leagues. That’s exactly what he’s considering according to Igor Eronko of Sport-Express, though it is important to note that Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that as of Tuesday afternoon, there had been no discussion on that topic between the Kravtsov camp and the Rangers.

Whether there has been any talk or not, the fact is that Kravtsov hasn’t found his footing in North America yet and still does hold that clause. Heading back overseas is not necessarily a bad thing depending on how the team feels his development is going, but obviously they will hope to be involved in the decision.

Selected ninth overall in 2018, the 6’3″ Russian winger has one of the highest offensive ceilings of any draft prospect, but still needs work putting it all together at the professional level. Should he exercise the clause at any point, it does not void his NHL contract and he could still be recalled by the Rangers.

Training Camp Cuts: 09/30/19

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Teams will be finalizing their opening day rosters today, meaning that plenty of players will be removed from training camp. As always, we’ll keep track of all those cuts right here. Keep checking back as this list will be updated throughout the day.

Arizona Coyotes (per team release)

G Adin Hill (to Tuscon, AHL)

Boston Bruins (per team release)

F Peter Cehlarik (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Anders Bjork (to Providence, AHL)
F Trent Frederic (to Providence, AHL)
F Jack Studnicka (to Providence, AHL)
F Cameron Hughes (to Providence, AHL)
G Maxime Lagace (to Providence, AHL)

Buffalo Sabres (per team release)

F Remi Elie (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Curtis Lazar (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Scott Wilson (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D Casey Nelson (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Rasmus Asplund (to Rochester, AHL)
F Tage Thompson (to Rochester, AHL)
D Lawrence Pilut (to Rochester, AHL)

Chicago Blackhawks (per team release)

F Anton Wedin (to Rockford, AHL)
D Dennis Gilbert (to Rockford, AHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets (per team release)

F Marko Dano (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Eric Robinson (to Cleveland, AHL)
G Hayden Stewart (released from PTO)

Edmonton Oilers (per team release)

F Sam Gagner (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D Brandon Manning (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D William Lagesson (to Bakersfield, AHL)

Los Angeles Kings (per team release)

F Mario Kempe (to Ontario, AHL)
D Paul Ladue (to Ontario, AHL)
D Derek Forbort (designated injured/non-roster)

Minnesota Wild (per team release)

F J.T. Brown (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D Louie Belpedio (to Iowa, AHL)

Montreal Canadiens (per team release)

F Charles Hudon (to Laval, AHL)
G Charlie Lindgren (to Laval, AHL)

New Jersey Devils (per team release)

D Jeremy Groleau (to Binghamton, AHL)

New York Rangers (per team release)

F Boo Nieves (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Filip Chytil (to Hartford, AHL)
F Vitali Kravtsov (to Hartford, AHL)
F Vinni Lettieri (to Hartford, AHL)
D Ryan Lindgren (to Hartford, AHL)
G Igor Shesterkin (to Hartford, AHL)
D Tarmo Reunanen (to Lukko, Liiga)
D Joseph Morrow (released from PTO)

Tampa Bay Lightning (per team release)

D Luke Schenn (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Danick Martel (to Syracuse, AHL)
F Alexander Volkov (to Syracuse, AHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs (per team release)

F Kenny Agostino (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Nic Petan (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Garrett Wilson (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D Kevin Gravel (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Kalle Kossila (designated injured, non-roster)
F Mason Marchment (designated injured, non-roster)
F Egor Korshkov (to Toronto, AHL)
F Matt Read (released from PTO, signs AHL contract)

Vancouver Canucks (per team release)

F Sven Baertschi (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Nikolay Goldobin (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D Alex Biega (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)

Vegas Golden Knights (per team release)

F Keegan Kolesar (to Chicago, AHL)
D Jake Bischoff (to Chicago, AHL)

Winnipeg Jets (per team release)

F J.C. Lipon (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D Nelson Nogier (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
G Eric Comrie (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Joona Luoto (to Manitoba, AHL)
F C.J. Suess (to Manitoba, AHL)

Washington Capitals (per team release)

F Liam O’Brien (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Michael Sgarbossa (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
D Christian Djoos (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Shane Gersich (to Hershey, AHL)

Metropolitan Notes: Williams, Voracek, Kreider

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It’s been a busy offseason for the Carolina Hurricanes as the team has worked hard to improve their roster in hopes of keeping themselves relevant after a impressive playoff run last season. The team has already signed restricted free agent Sebastian Aho after matching the offer sheet he signed with the Montreal Canadiens. The team traded for Erik Haula and signed Ryan Dzingel to a reasonable deal as well. They also brought back goaltender Petr Mrazek to bolster their goaltending.

However, there is one thing still missing from their offseason so far and that’s a decision from veteran forward Justin Williams. News & Observer’s Luke DeCock writes that while Williams is still trying to decide whether he will return for a 19th season. The 37-year-old was still quite productive last season, putting up 23 goals and 53 points. However, he wants time before committing for another season.

DeCock writes that the expectation among the team is that Williams will return, but at the same time, no one really knows what he will do. However, Williams return could make a huge difference to their fortunes next season. While the team likely doesn’t need him to be a top-six scorer anymore, the team needs his leadership and abilities as he would get a simpler role as a bottom-six option.

  • The Athletic’s Charlie O’Connor (subscription required) analyzes the recent play of Philadelphia Flyers forward Jakub Voracek, who has seen his role as a top-line forward change. The 29-year-old has moved to the second line and is starting to see a change in his long-time role, according to O’Connor, who writes that the veteran is no longer a play-driver like he has been in previous years. Since signing his eight-year, $66MM deal back in 2015, he’s hasn’t put up peak numbers with the exception of his 2017-18 season in which he put up 20 goals and 85 points. While he once was a player who could lead a pair of rookies on his line, the belief is that he is no longer that player. While still a solid middle-six option, it looks like Voracek is entering a new phase in his career even though he has five more years at $8.25MM AAV.
  •  The Athletic’s Shayna Goldman (subscription required) writes the New York Rangers must make a decision on what they want to do with Chris Kreider. The 28-year-old forward is in the final year of his contract and should acquire a significant raise from his $4.63MM AAV this season. Goldman writes that while the team technically could wait to make a decision on whether they want to re-sign Kreider until the trade deadline next year, waiting that long could have its own problems. With Artemi Panarin, Jacob Trouba, Kappo Kaako and Vitali Kravtsov expected to join their lineup this season, the team could challenge for a playoff spot, which might make it difficult for the Rangers to trade off Kreider and then the team could conceivably lose him for nothing if they don’t intend to bring him back. With rumors that it might cost New York seven years at $7.3MM per season, the team has to make a big decision soon.

New York Rangers Agree To Terms With Vitali Kravtsov, Igor Shesterkin

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For the second day in a row, the New York Rangers have signed a top prospect. After convincing Adam Fox to forego his senior season at Harvard yesterday, the Rangers have finalized an entry-level contract with Vitali Kravtsov, according to CapFriendly. Kravtsov will earn the full $925K maximum in each of his three years, and can also earn up to $850K in performance bonuses. Notably, the deal also includes a European Assignment Clause that would give him the option of returning to the KHL if the Rangers decide to keep him in the minor leagues.

The team also announced that they have agreed to terms with goaltender Igor Shesterkin, another top prospect who spent the last several seasons in the KHL.

Kravtsov, 19, was the ninth-overall pick in last June’s draft and impressed on several stages this season. In 50 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL he recorded eight goals and 21 points, solid production for a player his age, and really starred at the international level. Kravtsov recorded six points in seven games with Team Russia at the World Junior tournament, helping them secure a bronze medal. The big winger can contribute no matter what kind of game his team wants to play, bringing physicality, speed and skill in bunches.

The Rangers already have several young forwards ready to make a splash at the NHL level, and will likely add either Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko with the second-overall pick this year. The idea of lining up Kakko, Kravtsov, Lias Andersson, Filip Chytil and Brett Howden as they grow and develop has to be exciting for GM Jeff Gorton, who has done a nice job quickly rebuilding the team.

It’s not just forwards that Rangers fans have to look forward to though, as Shesterkin is an impressive talent in his own right. Originally a fourth-round selection in 2014, the 23-year old goaltender has been one of the best in the KHL for the last three years. Leading the league with a .953 save percentage this season in 28 games with St. Petersburg, Shesterkin had an almost unbelievably low goals against average of 1.11.

His arrival does pose some questions for the future however. Henrik Lundqvist still has two years left on his massive contract that carries an $8.5MM cap hit, but young Alexandar Georgiev has also shown he can handle play at the NHL level. With Shesterkin coming to North America the Rangers now have some decisions to make on how long they will wait before installing one of their young Russian goaltenders in the net full time. Lunqvist has said in the past that he wants to stick around New York and even turned down the opportunity of a trade last year. The 37-year old goaltender has a full no-movement clause in his contract.

Rangers Agree To Terms With Vitali Kravtsov And Igor Shestyorkin

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The Rangers are in agreement on contracts with top prospects Vitali Kravtsov and Igor Shestyorkin on entry-level contracts, reports Rick Carpinello of The Athletic (subscription required).  The deals will not be officially registered until their KHL contracts officially expire at the end of the month.

Kravtsov was New York’s first-round pick (ninth overall) back in June and played a regular role with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL this season, collecting 21 points in 50 regular season games plus a pair of helpers in four postseason contests.  The Rangers wanted to sign him back in March once his KHL playoffs came to an end but his team was not willing to release him from his contract early.

It’s believed that Kravtsov is close to being ready to step into the NHL lineup and could eventually provide their top six group with some size and scoring punch.  However, if the Rangers opt to aggressively add in free agency, it’s certainly possible that they could decide he’s better served to start in the minors.  His entry-level deal will be a three-year pact.

As for Shestyorkin, he’s someone that New York has been waiting on for a while.  He was a fourth-round pick (118th overall) but has emerged as one of the top goalies outside of the NHL since then.  This season, he posted a 1.11 GAA and a .953 SV% in 28 games with SKA St. Petersburg, the top numbers in the league in both categories.

The 23-year-old shouldn’t need too much seasoning in the AHL short of adapting to the shorter ice surface so the Rangers will soon be facing a good question of what to do with their goalie depth.  Henrik Lundqvist has two years left on his deal with a no-move clause that he hasn’t been willing to waive while Alexandar Georgiev had a strong sophomore season in North America and has likely boosted his trade value in the process.  It’s certainly possible that Shestyorkin’s agreement on a contract (which will be two years in length) will force the team to move on from Georgiev before too long but having quality young goaltending depth is something that GM Jeff Gorton certainly won’t be complaining about.

Rangers Notes: Free Agency, Kravtsov, Fast, Lundqvist, Kreider

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The New York Rangers wrapped up their regular season Saturday and began cleaning out their lockers, but after a season in which the team finished in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division with a 32-36-14 season, general manager Jeff Gorton admitted that while he likes what he sees in terms of the team developing under head coach David Quinn, he expects to see changes.

NHL.com’s Dan Rosen reports that Gorton said the Rangers will likely look to add through free agency this summer to speed up their rebuilding project that the team started last season in February when they decided to make changes to the team.

“There’s a lot of things that can happen this summer to speed that up,” Gorton said. “I think we will try to do everything we can to advance it.”

One obvious possibility would be for the Rangers to try to persuade free agent Artemi Panarin to come to New York. The star winger has been rumored to be interested in signing a free-agent contract with either the Rangers or Florida Panthers, although the Panthers likelihood of bringing Panarin to Florida may have improved if they can sign his former head coach Joel Quenneville to a contract. Regardless, the Rangers could be in play for a number of intriguing free agents, including center Matt Duchene.

  • In the same press conference, Gorton added that the Rangers are doing everything possible to get their two top prospects signed, including 2018 first-rounder Vitali Kravtsov and goaltender Igor Shestyorkin. Kravtsov played 50 games in the KHL, posting eight goals as an 18-year-old, but the team must wait until his contract expires at the end of the month. Shestorkin has dominated the KHL for a number of years now, putting up an unreal 1.11 GAA and a .953 save percentage.
  • The Rangers also announced that forward Jesper Fast undewent thumb surgery and is expected to be ready to train in six weeks. Fast had surgery last Monday to repair torn ligaments and a fracture in his left thumb. The injury, which Fast sustained near the all-star break, didn’t heal properly, which then required surgery. The 27-year-old had eight goals and 20 points in 66 games.
  • Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist also spoke about his disappointing season, according to Rosen. The veteran goaltender had a strong first half, but struggled mightily after that. He played in 35 games before the all-star break, winning 15 games, a 3.o1 GAA and a .908 save percentage, but that number dropped to just 17 appearances after the all-star break where he had just three victories with a 3.18 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Lundqvist said he felt really good when he was hoping the Rangers would surprise people, but admitted it was tougher when he knew they weren’t.
  • The Rangers announced that forward Chris Kreider will play for Team USA at the World Championships this summer. Rosen reports that Kreider hopes that he and the Rangers can iron out a long-term extension this summer as he is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 as he will be in the last year of his contract. Gorton also had a comment on the situation, “Chris is a goal scorer and they’re hard to find. We’ll figure out what’s the appropriate way to go here in the coming weeks.”

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