The New York Rangers rumor mill is flying hot and heavy that Vitali Kravtsov is about to return to the KHL after starting the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Here’s a deeper look into all of the chatter.
Vitali Kravtsov has a European Assignment Clause in his Entry Level Contract with the New York Rangers. That means he can return to Europe to play if he desires, but he is still under contract to the Rangers and can return to play in the NHL if the Rangers want him to when the KHL season ends. In essence he would be on loan to the KHL.
When Kravtsov was sent to Hartford, the rumblings began and were intensified when he was a healthy scratch in the team’s second game. Shortly after that the speculation began.
The timeline
Monday, September 30 – Vitali Kravtsov sent to Hartford as one of the final roster cuts before the regular season.
Sunday, October 6 – Kravstov is a healthy scratch in the Wolf Pack’s second game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Monday, October 7 – “Forever Blueshirts” publishes a piece speculating on the chances of Kravtsov executing his European Out Clause.
Blue Line Station also reported on the fact that Kravtsov was a healthy scratch, contradictory to the reasons given for his assignment to Hartford.
Saturday, October 12 – Kravstov returns to action as one of the starting five on a line with Boo Nieves and Matt Beleskey.
Sunday, October 13 – Kravtsov gets his first point of the season, an assist on a second period Boo Nieves goal in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Rochester Americans.
Wednesday, October 16 – Igor Eronko of the Russian sports publication Sports-Express tweets that he is hearing that Kravtsov is considering a return to the KHL.
Hearing Vitali Kravtsov considers a return to the KHL. Has a European assignment clause in his contract #NYR
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) October 16, 2019
In an article in the Sports-Express, Eronko reports that the clause would allow Kravtsov to return to the KHL after November 1. He also reports that Chelyabinsk Traktor, the KHL team that owns his rights, is trying to sell those rights to another, richer KHL team for as much as 200 million rubles ($3 million).
One important thing to remember is that Eronko reported the following on April 8, 2018:
The New York Rangers have reportedly agreed to a 2-3 year deal in principle with forward Ilya Kovalchuk, per https://t.co/GWhuKL18I8 contributor Igor Eronko. #NYR pic.twitter.com/Dc8YgMnkSx
— Complete Hockey News (@CompleteHkyNews) April 9, 2018
Ranger beat writer Vince Mercogliano posted on Twitter that Kravtsov was practicing with the Wolf Pack.
Important point here: Even if Kravtsov were to go back to the KHL this season (which, again, is just a rumor -- what we know is that he practiced with AHL Hartford today), it doesn't mean they "lose" him. Sooner or later, he'll stay play for the Rangers. https://t.co/7t9dvSCDDC
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) October 17, 2019
Thursday, October 17 – An article in Sports 24, a Russian sports website, delves into the Kravtsov situation. They confirmed Traktor’s desire to sell his rights for the $3 million number and that in the past they have had discussions with SKA Saint Petersburg and Avangard Omsk, but the price tag was too high and Avangard wanted a three year commitment .
They also raised the issue that Kravtsov is not a good fit with the new coach of Traktor, former NHL goalie Peter Skudra. The article also speculated that none of this will happen, citing the Blueshirts’ crazy early schedule and the fact that other top prospects have spent time in the AHL.
The article really does seem to throw cold water all over the Kravtsov to the KHL rumors.