Vitali Kravtsov gets ripped apart by former GM; 'Kravtsov is afraid of serious work'
When Vitali Kravtsov was drafted into the NHL by the New York Rangers 9th overall in 2018, he looked poise to make an impact in the league. Now, there's word he is once again headed back to the KHL in Russia, and a former GM with that league says it's no surprise it's not with one of the top teams.
Background
Kravtsov had a very rocky relationship with the New York Rangers. He made it clear to management that he was not interested in playing in the AHL, and went back to Russia twice because of it. Finally, he was traded this year to the Vancouver Canucks, where he had 1 goal and 1 assist in 16 games. It's now being reported that Kravtsov has signed a two-year deal with Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL, the team he's always played for in Russia.
One of the team's former GMs told Championat.com that he wouldn't have him back.
"He's just an average player, not a star. I personally wouldn't sign a player like that to my team."
"Kravtsov is afraid of serious work and competition because he will lose it. You need to show strength of character and character, but Kravtsov does not have that." - Andrei Balandin
When he was drafted, Elite Prospects said Kravtsov had all the tools needed to develop into a top-6 NHL forward. That ship has likely sailed. Vancouver can hang on to his NHL rights with a qualifying offer for the restricted free agent. It seems unlikely that will happen with a KHL contract already in place.
This story says Vitaly Kravtsov has signed in the KHL.
A 2 year deal in Traktor Chelyabinsk.
Kravtsov played 16 games for the Canucks this season.
https://t.co/iW39VQjyNo� Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) May 23, 2023
Kravtsov signed 2 year 40 million ruble base salary contract...at today's exchange rate that is $500k USD per season.
Plus substantial bonuses he'll be making closer to $1 million.� Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) May 23, 2023
| POLL | ||
Do you think Kravtsov will be back in the NHL at some point? | ||
| No, he's done | 99 | 61.1 % |
| Yes, the talent is there | 24 | 14.8 % |
| I'm not sure | 39 | 24.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
