New York Rangers: Vitali Kravtsov prospect profile

The New York Rangers went with a relatively under-the-radar pick when they chose Vitali Kravtsov in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. What can be expected from him based on his prior experience?

On June 22nd, the night of the first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers were under a lot of pressure. With immensely talented players like Oliver Wahlstrom and Quinn Hughes there for the taking, fans were wondering who the Rangers would select at nine.

With their ninth overall pick, the team ended up, surprisingly, choosing Vitali Kravtsov. The Vladivostok, Russia native was left off of most mock draft lists. The Rangers have made a habit of going off the board at the draft to outsmart the room.

Many fans were even initially disappointed with the pick, solely because of their lack of knowledge on the 18-year-old. Though he wasn’t one of the more well-known players in the draft, Kravtsov can still make an impact in New York in a few years.

He already has quite a bit of experience and with some development, he can improve even more. Let’s take a look at what he has under his belt so far.

(All stats via Elite Prospects.)

Career Thus Far

Vitali Kravtsov began his professional hockey career in 2014 when he was just 15 years old. In his first season (2014-2015) he played for Traktor Chelyabinsk U16 of the Russian U16 league. He recorded 37 points, 19 goals and 18 assists, in 34 games.

The next year, he played for Traktor Chelyabinsk U17 of the Russian U17 league. There, he exceeded his previous year’s total by three.

Kravtsov scored 40 points, made up of 22 goals and 18 assists. For four games of the 2015-2016 campaign, he moved up to Traktor Chelyabinsk U18 of the Russian U18 league. He averaged one point per game, with two goals and two assists (four points in four games).

The next season, the forward split his time between three teams. With Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, he played in three games but was held off of the scoresheet. In the playoffs with that team, he appeared in 16 games, recording just one point in the form of a goal.

With Chelemet Chelyabinsk of the VHL, the right-wing notched four points, two goals and two assists, in six games. With Belye Medevi Chelyabinsk of the MHL, he played 41 games, scoring 36 points (13 goals and 23 assists).

In playoffs with this team, he appeared in five games, scoring six points (two goals and four assists).

Last Season and the Future

During the 2017-2018 season, Vitali Kravtsov divided his time between multiple teams once again. For Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, he scored four goals and three assists, totaling seven points, in 35 games. When that team reached the playoffs, he played in 16 games, scoring 11 points (six goals and five assists).

With Chelemet Chelyabinsk of the VHL, Kravtsov played nine games, scoring four goals and three assists for a total of seven points. Finally, with Belye Medevi Chelyabinsk of the MHL, he notched three points (one goal and two assists) in just one game. In the playoffs with them, he scored four points in two games (one goal and three assists).

He also appeared in the International Junior tournament for Team Russia U20. He appeared in four games but failed to record any points.

However, for team Russia II in the International tournament, he appeared in five games and notched three points, made up of two goals and one assist. It was recently announced that for the 2018-2019 season, Kravtsov will begin his campaign by playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL.

What to Expect

Vitali Kravtsov has been described as an extremely skilled winger. Standing at 6’4″ and 183 pounds, he also has enough size to bring a physical presence to his game.

He is strongest in zone entry and especially in his own end. His awareness and hockey IQ make him a valuable player to have on a team.

As he progresses, look out for improvement in implementing his physicality and backchecking. Ultimately, it looks like, in a few years time, he could become a useful top-six forward with consistent production.

Though it was already determined that he will be playing in the KHL for this upcoming year, he will probably come over to the United States in the coming years. After a little more time overseas, some time in the AHL could put him over the edge to be NHL-ready.

Next: Does it make sense to trade for Seabrook’s contract?

Though he was not the first choice for the New York Rangers’ ninth overall pick for many fans, it looks as if Vitali Kravtsov has lots of potential and will only continue to get better.

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