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Rangers fans might experience double-whammy of "what could have been" in 2025-26

ByJustin Bonhard|
Dec 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Vitali Kravtsov (74) skates with the puck against Washington Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Vitali Kravtsov (74) skates with the puck against Washington Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers had to let go of some fan-favorites last season, and it is unclear yet if it was a good idea or not. These players had some promise, a potential to be a solid hockey player with this organization, but it hadn't panned out according to plan.

Now, with a new organization, these two players now join the same team and will have to face the Rangers twice next season. For Rangers fans, it will be a double-whammy of "what could have been".

Kravtsov joins Chytil in Vancouver

Former first-round selection Vitali Kravtsov, who was probably the most hyped up prospect the Rangers had alongside Alexis Lafrenière, has re-joined Vancouver. After bouncing back-and-forth between the KHL and the NHL over the last couple of years, he signed a one-year deal with the Canucks and joins another former Rangers star.

Filip Chytil was traded to Vancouver in the deal for J.T. Miller, and he had a so-so end of the season. With two goals and four assists in the last 15 games, he was a part of a re-building Canucks team that now has some potential.

Ex-Rangers seem to have prospered when let go?

Let's face it, the Canucks still have a ways to go to being a presence in the Western Conference, and Kravtsov and Chytil are not going to get them there by themselves. Kravtsov did well in the KHL the last two seasons, with 92 points in 121 games during that span.

Notoriously, when a Rangers player leaves to another team, they seem to do one of two things. When the ex-player enters the majestic ice at Madison Square Garden, they make a direct impact on the game. Or, they have a much better season and basically take their game to a new level, like Pavel Buchnevich with St. Louis for example.

Kravtsov might not have worked out in New York, much like Chytil. The two could turn themselves around in a new place, but for the Rangers sake, let's hope they don't.