While New York Rangers forward Vitali Kravtsov currently remains in Russia awaiting a trade, some new information has come to light that changes the dynamic of the situation.
Back on October 12th, it was reported by Larry Brooks of the New York Post that the Rangers had suspended Kravtsov following the refusal of his assignment to the Hartford Wolf Pack. Not long afterwards, Kravtsov took his ball and went home as reports surfaced that he had left for Russia.
Here's an update on Vitali Kravtsov. He is back in Chelyabinsk. He was at the Traktor-Dynamo game today. Being told there are around five teams interested in him. #NYR. The Rangers are in the driver's seat with this one.
— sportsology (@sportsology) October 17, 2021
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman then gave an update on the situation saying that Rangers coach Gerard Gallant had reached out to the young forward in hopes of coaxing him to return, although it is unclear if this was before or after Kravtsov left.
The current situation
Initial reports from Arthur Staple of the Athletic were that Kravtsov’s relationship with the New York Rangers and General Manager Chris Drury had soured, detailing instances where Drury accused Kravtsov of quitting on the team, as well as publicly lambasting him in the Toronto bubble during the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers.
However, recent reporting from Larry Brooks has noted this is not the case. It appears as though Kravtsov did not believe he was ever going to be given a legitimate shot at a top-six position in the varsity lineup, and thus has requested a trade.
Proceeding under the assumption that the latest information is true, this is not a good look for the 21-year-old Russian. Not to leak the secret of the NHL, but it is a fast league where injuries are unfortunately commonplace.
In fact, right now, the Rangers are suffering from injuries with Ryan Strome out due to Covid protocols and Kaapo Kakko sidelined with an upper-body injury. There is no doubt Kravtsov would have slotted in at the second line right wing position with the absence of Kakko, thus penetrating the top-six position that was so assuredly out of reach in the eyes of Kravtsov
Likewise, there is no guarantee that Chris Kreider remains in his current spot located to the right of center Mika Zibanejad. Being that Kreider is a natural left winger, it is more than possible that a shift could happen and he is moved back to his normal duties on the left side. Doing so would create an open path for Kravtsov into a top-six right wing position with Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafreniere, and Kreider slotted in on the left side, respectively.
An issue of character
Just as this impatient behavior has generated a multitude of problems for the Rangers and their offensive depth, is it also safe to assume that Kravtsov has demonstrated a lack of maturity? Or perhaps even worse, a sense of entitlement?
This is not even the first sign of these unpleasant character traits, as he pulled a similar stunt two years ago when he used a clause in his contract to return to Europe following his assignment to the AHL.
Going beyond the idea that Kravtsov has essentially turned his back on the team, a player who has a total of four points (two goals, two assists) in 20 games played surely has no right to assume they deserve their name tag stapled to a top six-slot. This is regardless of the fact that he is a former 9th overall draft selection.
Furthermore, Kravtsov’s play was merely satisfactory in the preseason. Other than a moment here or there, no such consistent dominance was exhibited in his game that would make one scowl at the thought of him playing anywhere else that wasn’t in the Rangers top-six.
The apparent scoring problem
To tie this messy situation in a neat bow, the Rangers scoring woes to start the season have been noticeable to say the least. They have recorded eight total goals in the four games under their belt, putting up an average of two goals per game.
While that number already smells foul, merely six of those goals have come at even strength; perhaps it is also noteworthy to mention that one of those six even strength goals was scored on an empty net, courtesy of Kevin Rooney.
That leaves this Rangers squad with five total even strength goals scored with an opposing goaltender occupying the net. Would it be safe to make the assertion that placing a young, skilled Russian forward into the lineup could potentially assist the Rangers with their scoring difficulties?
No matter, Kravtsov’s behavior has all but destroyed any possibilities of him being reinstated with the team. Assuming a shift in the wind is not imminent and the situation is irreparable, the Rangers will continue to be without arguably their best young prospect.
It is true that the season is just four games old. However, it can simultaneously be true that the Rangers cannot rely on Zibanejad, Panarin and Kreider to account for all of the scoring. It is clear that a hand has been extended for Kravtsov to return, but it remains to be seen if anything comes of it.
Offensive depth is a necessity in today’s NHL, and the Rangers may have just lost a significant piece of that depth for an unnecessary reason.