The Vitali Kravtsov saga has reached a point not many expected it to. The former ninth overall pick has returned to New York and is participating in training camp. Not only is Kravtsov participating in the camp, but he is also practicing on a line with Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin. It is truly now or never for him to prove his worth to the fans and the organization.
It was highly documented that Kravtsov had requested a trade from the Rangers prior to the start of the 2021-2022 season after being sent down to Hartford. Refusing to play for Hartford, Kravtsov went back to Russia and played in the KHL for Chelyabinsk Traktor awaiting his trade from the team. The trade never came.
General Manager Chris Drury never pulled the trigger on a trade and opted to keep Kravtsov and give him another chance for the upcoming 2022-2023 season. Kravtsov arrived early this summer to start training and participated in training camp which started on Wednesday. Many fans were shocked to see that Kravtsov was still here and even more shocked about where he would start in camp. Playing right-wing with Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin.
Playing with Artemi Panarin is something that not many players get to do. Getting this chance shows the faith that head coach, Gerard Gallant, has in Kravtsov and his ability to keep up with a player of Panarin’s caliber. So far in camp, the line has looked good together.
Kravtsov told the media on Saturday that he wants this opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. He said, “I have definitely made a lot of noise in the past so it is necessary for me to redeem myself a little bit.” Gallant has been impressed so far, telling the media, “I like what he’s doing, he’s working hard, he wants to make our hockey team and that’s what he has to do.”
Panarin has been taking young Vitali under his wing and has stayed after practice with him, talking and showing him ways he can improve his game. Even small details can help Kravtsov in a massive way.
This is the opportunity that the Russian winger has wanted for a few years now and he has the chance to take it. Now, only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion. The team hopes he can, and so does he.