New York Rangers prospects news: Kravtsov assists, Skinner a WJC option
By Steve Paulus
Vitali Kravtsov got back on the scoresheet in the only game featuring a New York Rangers prospect
Traktor hit the road on Tuesday, taking on Sochi at the Bolshoy Ice Dome. It was a winning effort as Traktor escaped with a 4-2 win. Traktor broke a 2-2 tie four minutes into the third period. New York Rangers first round draft pick Vitali Kravtsov assisted on the third period power play goal that iced the game.
Kravtsov played a total of 16:44, sixth most among forwards. He had four shots on goal and one hit. For Kravtsov that gives him six goals and two assists for eight points in 11 games. He is averaging 3.8 shots per game, seventh best in the KHL among players who have appeared in five games or more.
The win improved Traktor’s record to 5-4-2. Their 12 points leave them in fourth place inthe Kharlamov division. Their next game is Thursday against Moscow Dynamo, one of the top teams in the KHL.
Thursday will be a busy day with a full schedule in the Swedish Hockey League as well as the KHL.
Skinner invited to U.S. National camp
Ranger draft pick Hunter Skinner was one of 39 players invited to the U.S. National Team evaluation camp. Players will be in Plymouth, Michigan from October 8-13 to be evaluated for potential participation in the World Junior Championships.
Skinner is a defenseman playing for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. He was drafted by the Blueshirts in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft (#112 overall). In his first full season with London, Skinner had six goals and 26 assists for 32 points in 62 games. The Rangers need to sign him by June 1, 2021 or they will lose his rights.
Skinner may not be the only Ranger prospect at the camp. 17 of the 39 players invited to the camp are eligible for the 2020 Entry Draft, due to be held next week.
It’s a positive development for Skinner, especially if he can make the national team. The WJC will be held in Edmonton from December 26 to January 5, 2021. The IIHF announced that they will be using a “bubble” format similar to the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs for the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic.