Rangers prospect Vitali Kravtsov has enjoyed an encouraging start to the 2020-21 KHL season. Loaned to Traktor Chelyabinsk, the 20-year-old right wing has chipped in three goals through five games and leads his club with 23 shots on goal.
His eye-catching performance helped Traktor to a 2-1 victory over Spartak Moscow, where, in addition to his goal, he made several strong efforts to win the puck from opponents. Kravtsov’s combination of goal-getting and his ability to use his strength effectively against KHL veterans is proof of his development trending in the right direction.
The Rangers have the option to recall Kravtsov at any time, meaning he could rejoin the Blueshirts before the start of November training camp or at any time during or after the KHL season ends in February. Traktor currently sits seventh place in the KHL’s Eastern Conference with five points through five games played.
Kravtsov has made fast progress since his KHL debut season for Chelyabinsk Polar Bears. After moving to Traktor, he set the record for the most points by an 18-year-old in a single KHL postseason when he notched 11 points in 16 games during the 2018 playoffs.
His growth convinced the Rangers to draft him ninth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.
The 6-foot-3 wing finished the 2018-19 season leading all KHL players 20-years-old or younger in goals (8), assists (13) and points (21).
Kravtsov split the 2019-20 season with Traktor, Chelmet Chelyabinsk of the Supreme Hockey League and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. In 39 games for Hartford, Kravtsov recorded six goals and nine assists.
The knock against him during his first season of North American play was that he wasn’t shooting the puck with confidence and authority. With added experience under his belt, Kravtsov is shooting with conviction in the KHL.
If Kravtsov continues to ride a hot streak in the months ahead, he could force his way into the Rangers’ preseason plans. Right now, the Rangers are in a good spot. They’re under no pressure to make a decision on Kravtsov’s future.
Depending on how free agency shakes out, the Rangers could view him as healthy competition for a roster place during the preseason or simply allow him to continue his progress in Russia and consider a recall if his impressive play continues.