Earlier this week, it was reported that the New York Rangers loaned Vitali Kravtsov to Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL. This wasn’t too surprising to hear in the moment, as the 21-year-old winger of course failed to report to Hartford and wants to be traded. Furthermore, the Rangers previously did this with him.
However, Vince Z. Mercogliano confirmed today that those reports are incorrect, as the Rangers have not decided to loan the former first-round pick. Yet, even with that, he then noted that the team is currently debating and could eventually end up going down this avenue again. If this becomes a long-lasting dilemma with Kravtsov, it honestly would be the best thing for the Blueshirts to do.
Wanted to clear up some Vitali Kravtsov rumors people have been sending me.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) November 2, 2021
The #NYR have NOT loaned him to any KHL team at this time. They've had discussions and are not dismissing it as an eventual possibility, but I've been told there is no loan agreement currently in place.
At this point in time, the Rangers need to find a way to enhance Kravtsov’s trade value. Him not playing anywhere certainly isn’t going to do them any favors. This is especially the case when remembering the fact that general manager Chris Drury wants a top prospect in return for him. At this juncture, that seems extremely unlikely to occur, especially with it being public knowledge that the kid wants out.
As Ranger fans know, this situation is extremely similar to the Lias Andersson one. The 2017 seventh overall pick grew very frustrated with the organization and requested a trade during the 2019-20 season. Eventually he received his wish and was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings. It’s irritating to see this happening with Kravstov, too, but would the Rangers benefit from just ripping the bandage now rather than trying to reason with the disgruntled forward? If they do trade him, they also cannot accept anything less than a second-round pick, right? That’s exactly what they received for Andersson, of course.
If Kravtsov’s tenure with the Rangers ended today, it would be fair to call it very disappointing. He made his debut last season with the team, but only suited up in 20 games. With that, he scored two goals and had four points. He also only played one season with the Hartford Wolf Pack during the 2019-20 campaign. With them, he scored six goals and had 15 points in 39 games. However, he also memorably spent time in Russia with Traktor during that season, too.
Will the Rangers eventually let him play in Russia? Is a trade going to occur very shortly? Or perhaps will he shockingly change his mind and plays some games for Hartford? Alas, we will have to wait and see what happens next with this ongoing Kravtsov drama. If I personally were to place money on it, I’d say the Rangers will end up loaning him there before anything else.