Vitali Kravtsov has a good opportunity with Vancouver Canucks – but he can’t waste it

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Once upon a time, Vitali Kravtsov looked like he would be one of the kids tasked with bringing the New York Rangers into the promised land.

Now, about four years later and the Rangers look like true Stanley Cup contenders. And with Vladimir Tarsenko and, potentially, Patrick Kane in the fold, they’re one you don’t want to mess with them. But Kravtsov isn’t part of that future. And, in reality, his future looks muddy at the young age of 23.

The Rangers needed to clear some cap space ahead of the trade deadline. Kravtsov and his $875,000 hit was an easy target. He made it clear he wanted out of the Big Apple, and his poor play made it easy to keep him out of the lineup. Now he’s off to Vancouver, a team that’s more interested in landing Connor Bedard than being a competitive outfit. They traded William Lockwood and a seventh-round pick for him – a very forgettable return for the Rangers.

After failing to qualify for the playoffs in 2018, the Rangers landed Kravtsov with the ninth overall pick in 2018. At the time, he had spent most of the season in the KHL, which is often unusual for draft-eligible prospects. He then put up solid numbers the following year, leading all junior-aged Russian-born players in points, earning a spot in the KHL all-star game and winning bronze at the World Junior Championship.

There was significant hype surrounding Kravtsov. And for good reason.

Kravtsov then made his way over to North America for 2019-20. He started the season in the AHL with Hartford but struggled to hold a full-time roster spot. He eventually landed back in the KHL, but struggled to produce with Traktor, and even landed back in the second-tier league for a stint. Kravtsov finally made his way onto New York’s roster for 2020-21 but had just four points in 20 games as he struggled to stay consistent.

And, really, not much has changed. He’s been a full-time NHLer this season but with poor numbers to show for. He averaged just 11:25 in ice time in 28 games with the Rangers while scoring three goals and six points, while his advanced analytics were relatively underwhelming. It wasn’t working out, he asked for a trade, and the Rangers moved him to clear some space.

Going from a Cup contender to a bottom-feeder offers young players a fresh opportunity to turn things around. But in Kravtsov’s case, time is ticking.

When Kravtsov was drafted, scouts loved how much skill he brought alongside his rugged, 6-foot-3 frame. He was creative, is an excellent skater and brought a lot of power to every shift. Kravtsov had the makings of a successful modern-day NHLer. But for one reason or another, it just hasn’t worked out. It can’t be ignored that a few other young Rangers – Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko – have struggled to live up to expectations. But they’re winning, and look like true Cup contenders. Sometimes, the kids just get lost in the shuffle when you’re a competitive team. It happens.

But now it’s time to put or shut up. If Kravtsov is actually going to become the player many believed he could be, this is his chance. He has one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything he ever wanted.

Will he capture it?

In Vancouver, the team might not be done selling. Forwards like Brock Boeser and Conor Garland could still be on the move. So, who knows? Maybe he’ll get some time in the top six. For now, there’s plenty of room for Kravtsov in a third-line role with Vasily Podkolzin and Aatu Raty. Both are young forwards looking to live up to expectations themselves – maybe, together, they’ll find a way to click.

Kravtsov is a pending RFA, so the pressure is on. The Canucks are in a rebuild, and if Kravtsov wants to, he can be a big part of the team’s future. There’s definitely the risk of him leaving for the KHL again – and likely for good. Kravtsov’s numbers aren’t on his side, but he shown glimmers of potential. It felt like he couldn’t really show it in New York, whether it be his own fault or not. I don’t see him getting penalized for mistakes in Vancouver like he was with the Rangers given the Canucks’ spot in the standings. Loses are good. Wins are bad. But if he also starts clicking, unleashing the potential he’s capable of, that’s found money.

We’ve seen quality player reconstrcutions in recent years. Valeri Nichushkin went from a zero in Dallas to a Stanley Cup hero in Colorado, for example. Kravtsov is built like a bull, and, by all accounts, has all the attributes to become an effective power forward in the NHL. The effort has been there at times, but the results haven’t. Now, armed without a contract for next year, there’s time to waste with 23 games left in Vancouver’s season.

If Kravtsov is going to make his mark, it has to be now. There’s simply no other motivation he needs.

Vitali Kravtsov has a good opportunity with Vancouver Canucks – but he can’t waste it

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