The latest on Vitali Kravtsov and Yegor Rykov in the KHL

The latest on the two Russian prospects in the New York Rangers pipeline

Vitali Kravtsov and Yegor Rykov are getting valuable experience this season in the KHL, playing a lot of hockey while their counterparts in North America are waiting for word on when they can report to New York Rangers training camp.

As the KHL season wears on, it is more and more obvious that both Kravtsov and Rykov will remain in Russia for the entire KHL regular season and playoffs.   The only question is when they are available to come to North America, will they?

While Kravtsov has cooled down considerably after a scorching hot start, all reports are that he is playing a well rounded game and has become a much more complete player.  He’s a big part of a surprising Traktor team this season and it remains to be seen how well he plays the rest of the season.

Rykov is playing regularly for CSKA, one of the best teams in the league and looks to have a long playoff run starting  in March.  As a 23 year old, it’s getting close to time when the Rangers need to decide if Rykov has a future in New York or even the NHL.   A continued solid defensive performance on a very good team is a recipe for a shot at the NHL in 2021-22.

Here’s a recap of the action for both players.  Kravtsov saw action in three games while Rykov had a busy week with four games.

Vitali Kravtsov (RW) – 2018 1st round – #9

Thursday, Traktor beat Avtomobilist 4-3 in overtime in front of 2,973 fans in Chelyabinsk.  Kravtsov had one assist, on the second Traktor goal scored by Tomas Hyka.  He played 23 shift for 18:00 and had one hit and no shots.

On Saturday, Traktor took a road loss against Neftekhimik in front of 1,035 spectators. Kravtsov played only 12:35 registering two shots on goal and a -1 rating.

Make that two losses in a row for Traktor as they dropped a 2-0 decision to Torpedo on Tuesday in Novgorod in front of 1,100 spectators.  Kravtsov played 20:27, second most ice time on the team and his second highest total this season.  He had two shots on goal and blocked three shots. He also drew one penalty.

With the two losses, Traktor is 17-3-2-10 for 42 points and have slipped into fourth place in the East, six points behind Ak Bars.  After a hot start, Kravtsov has cooled down considerably statistically.   The assist against Avtomobilist was his fourth of the season, giving him eight goals and 12 points in 25 games.  He is plus seven on the season and is playing over 16 minutes per game. He is averaging 2.8  shots per game.

Yegor Rykov (D) – 2016 5th round (New Jersey) – #122

A week ago, CSKA took one of their worst losses of the season, a 5-1 defeat to Sibir at home in front of 1,674 fans.   Yegor Rykov played 16:03 on 21 shifts, with two shots on goal. He took a slashing penalty late in the third period.

Thursday, CSKA rebounded with a 4-1 win over Sochi in Moscow.  Rykov had an active game, taking two minor penalties and one shot on goal while finishing with a plus/minus rating of -1.  He played 20 shifts and was on the ice for 14:16 minutes.

Saturday, CSKA won again, beating Avtomobilist by a lopsided 5-1 score. Rykov played 18:30, the second most ice time he has seen this season.  He had a plus/minus rating of +3.   He has one shot on goal, blocked one shot and was credited with one hit.

On Tuesday, CSKA won their third game of the week, beating Kunlun Red Star in overtime, 3-2.   Rykov played 14:23 and was plus one for the game.

CSKA is sitting in first place in the west with 53 points, nine points ahead of SKA.  Rykov has been quietly effective this season, with seven assists though he is till looking for his first goal in 30 games.  He has 25 shots on goal and is +7 for the season.  He’s a regular on the second defensive pair on the team with the most points in the KHL.

Both Kravtsov and Rykov are back at it on Thursday.