More on Rangers Russian prospects coming over but how do you really spell the Czar’s last name?
Russian prospects Vitali Kravtsov and Igor Shestyorkin have agreed to terms on an entry level contract with the New York Rangers.
The New York Rangers have been given permission by SKA and Traktor Chelyabinsk to discuss the details of the entry level contract for both Russian prospects. However, the contracts cannot be signed until May 1st when their KHL contracts expire. By not releasing them, the teams retain their KHL rights which are valuable with a potential NHL lock out in 2022.
Vitali Kravtsov will sign a 3-year deal while Shestyorkin’s contract will be 2 years due to his age. According to CBA article 9.1(b), players aged 22 or 23 are only eligible to sign a 2-year ELC.
Larry Brooks reported the goalie also negotiated to have a European Assignment Clause included in the contract. With this clause, the player can opt to move back to Europe to finish the season without the contract being terminated. Last season Winnipeg Jets prospect Kristian Vesalainen used this clause to play for Jokerit after being sent down to the AHL.
Shestyorkin has stated in an interview with Russian media outlet Sport Express that he has no problem playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL this season. The Rangers go into the season with 3 goalies capable to play in the NHL with Henrik Lundqvist and Alexandar Georgiev already on the team.
The most interesting question, for me at least, is how his name will be spelled when he makes his debut. The most likely spelling we will see is “Shesterkin”, while playing with the spelling “Shestyorkin” in Russia which I prefer. It includes the word YORK after all.
Editor’s Note: I reached out to the NYR about his last name and got this response – Anthony
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