With a big offseason that included a huge first round draft pick, as well as signing some big name players, hopes were high for the New York Rangers coming into the 19-20 season. Unfortunately, those hopes have yet to become a reality. The Rangers currently sit second to last in the Metropolitan Division, holding a 3-4-1 record, placing them 26th overall.
Friday would prove to be a key day for the Rangers organization, as well as 19-year-old Vitali Kravtsov, who was selected 9th overall by the Rangers in the 2018 entry draft. The announcement was made by Larry Brooks of The New York Post that Kravtsov was headed home to Russia.
In April of this year, the young right wing signed an entry level contract with New York with the intention of cracking the main roster. However, Kravtsov did not make the cut and was reassigned to the Rangers AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. While he had a chance to impress in the American Hockey League (AHL), he didn't do as well as was hoped, potting just one assist in five games.
As per an assignment clause agreement in his contract, the 19-year-old has exercised his right to play in Europe. Brooks announced this morning that Vitali Kravstov has signed with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL.
Vitali Kravstov signing with KHL Chelyabinsk, as per assignment clause agreement, Post has learned.— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) October 25, 2019
Kravtsov played with Traktor Chelyabinsk last season as well, where he collected 8 goals and 13 assists in 50 games. He also appeared in the KHL all-star game.
While the Rangers organization was hoping he would stay in the AHL and acclimate to playing on smaller ice, with less time and space, it has been set in stone that the young forward is headed home to Russia. Traktor's General Director Boris Vidgof, said the team is "counting on and waiting for Kravtsov."
