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New York Rangers: Vitali Kravtsov’s top five plays of the summer

By Karly Redpath

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Vitali Kravtsov poses for a portrait after being selected ninth overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Vitali Kravtsov poses for a portrait after being selected ninth overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Vitali Kravtsov poses for a portrait after being selected ninth overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Vitali Kravtsov poses for a portrait after being selected ninth overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

After being drafted ninth overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, New York Rangers prospect, Vitali Kravtsov, had himself an impressive summer.

Kravstov, who is a current member of Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, made waves during the playoffs for his team. He played in 35 regular season games for Traktor in 2017-18 and recorded just four goals and three assists for seven points on 35 shots. However, his numbers jumped in the postseason.

In 16 playoff games, Kravtsov recorded six goals and five assists for 11 points on 37 shots. Two of these goals were recorded at even strength and the rest were recorded in powerplay opportunities.

His season with Traktor was enough to earn him a spot on the preliminary roster for the Four Nations Tournament, and on August 22nd, he was officially named to the 23-man roster.

In the three games played in this tournament, Kravtsov has recorded one goal and three assists for four points.

Kravtsov will remain in the KHL during the 2018- 19 regular season — meaning he did not make the Traverse City roster that was released on August 28 — and based on what we have seen from him since the draft, another year overseas can only help him.

Regardless, the way he has played this summer gives us a lot to look forward to when he has a shot to earn a roster spot next season.

Here are some of Kravtsov’s best moments this summer.

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