Rangers top prospect looking to return from Europe

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Joshua Deeds
June 7, 2022 (4:31 PM)

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Vitaly Kravtsov spent 2021-2022 in Europe playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk, but apparently his time there has come to an end according to Sports.ru.

Kravtsov put up 6 goals and 7 assists, for 17 points in 19 games in the KHL, which, in the NHL would be a 45-point pace which is respectable. The question is have both sides reconciled since Chris Drury took over duties as general manager.

«Vitali Kravtsov did not accept the offer of the club,» Traktor's Ivan Savin said via Sports.ru. «He did not explain the reasons for the refusal. Although we made an offer in full accordance with his requirements to remain with Traktor. Apparently, Kravtsov has decided to go overseas to play.»

Kravtsov and the Rangers had a falling out after he refused to report to the Hartford Wolfpack in the AHL. It appeared before he shipped back off to Russia, he may have ended up in a trade, but maybe the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens couldn't meet the Rangers needs for the prospect.

«I want to thank the Rangers for working with me, and appreciate the open and honest conversations we have had during this process,» Kravtsov said in statement. «While this has been a challenging time for me personally, I believe having the opportunity to return to Traktor and work on my game is the best thing for me right now. My main focus is getting better every day to continue towards my goal of playing hockey for the New York Rangers.»

So in short, his first time going back to Russia in 2019, he used the European Out Clause and in 2019.

If it does, Kravtsov has the option to trigger the European Assignment Clause that was added to his contract. The clause can be triggered at any time during the season and will result in Kravtsov returning to the KHL to the team that owns his KHL rights, Traktor Chelyabinsk. Side note: This is why Traktor Chelyabinsk did not release Kravtsov once they were eliminated from the KHL playoffs. By releasing him, they would have lost his rights.

It's looking like once he returns from Russia, the New York Rangers and Chris Drury could still try and move him for another player or picks and prospects. There was talk of moving him for Cole Caulfield a while back, but since Martin St. Louis has revitalized the Habs, I don't see it happening.