Is Kravtsov a spoiled brat or just misunderstood?

Too much too soon?

There is no question that Vitali Kravtsov has an inflated opinion of himself.  If he truly believes that he should be in the top six for the New York Rangers, he is mistaken. He hasn’t earned that role.

The question is whether he should be ready for that kind of challenge?  Let’s look at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Of the 217 players selected in the draft that year, only 23 have played more NHL games than Vitali Kravtsov.  All eight of the players picked before Kravtsov have played more games, but only six  players in that entire draft have played as many as 100 NHL games.

The fifth pick overall, Barrett Hayton of Arizona has played in 34 games and is starting this season in the AHL. Sixth pick Filip Zadina has played 86 games and is just coming into his own with Detroit.  Eighth overall pick Adam Boqvist was traded by Chicago along with draft picks to Columbus for Seth Jones.  Boqvist has played in 76 games.

The next four picks after Kravtsov was selected have all seen limited NHL action.  They include Evan Bouchard of Edmonton, Noah Dobson and Oliver Wahlstrom of the Islanders and Ty Dellandrea of Dallas.

The fact is, six of the other top 20 picks from that draft are starting this season in the AHL. That includes #5 Barrett Hayton (Coyotes), #15 Grigori Denisenko (Panthers), #16 Martin Kaut (Avalanche), #18 Liam Foudy (Blue Jackets), #19 Jay O’Brien (Flyers) and #20 Rasmus Kupari (Kings).

Based on his career so far, Kravtsov appears to be tracking other players picked in the 2018 Entry Draft.  If anything, he is a victim of the high expectations that surrounded him after he was picked.

Spoiled or misunderstood?

Unfortunately, there is no answer, but a reasonable guess is that it’s a little bit of both. His behavior has been petulant and impetuous.  But, after three years of dealing with him, how do the New York Rangers not know that he needs to be treated differently?  And by differently, not with kid gloves, but there seems to be a communication breakdown that threatens to ruin the relationship between Kravtsov and the team.

Kravtsov turns 22 in December.  That may seem mature by hockey standards, but he is still a kid. He is in a foreign country speaking a strange language.  We don’t know his personal financial situation,but it’s worth noting that his minor league salary is $70,000 whereas his NHL salary is close to $925,000.  That’s not to mention the $850,000 in potential performance bonus income.  So, it’s not just a demotion, it’s a huge pay cut.

Where is Alternate Captain Artemi Panarin in this?  Has he tried to mentor the young player and get him to understand what it takes to make it in the NHL? What about Chris Kreider, who speaks Russian and is the senior most Ranger?  Even Igor Shesterkin is four years older and can provide some guidance.   What about his representation?  His agent should be helping him succeed, not letting him ruin his career.

Maybe all of these folks did their damnedest to talk some sense to Kravtsov and he is simply too immature to accept their advice.  If they did, it is likely the end of the road for him as a Blueshirt and he has damaged his own reputation while the team has let him diminish his value.

It’s a sad story.