Report: Vitali Kravtsov has returned to Russia awaiting a trade from the New York Rangers

Anthony Scultore Updated: Oct 17, 2021

new york rangers vitali kravtsov — May 8, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Rangers right wing Vitali Kravtsov (74) smiles at teammates after scoring against the Boston Bruins during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Multiple reports confirm that Vitali Kravtsov has returned home to Chelyabinsk in Russia and is awaiting a trade.

Russ Cohen of Sirius XM also notes that there are around five teams interested in acquiring the 21 year-old former first round pick.

This should probably answer the question if Kravtsov would accept the Rangers invitation to return with a resounding NO.

Here's an update on Vitali Kravtsov. He is back in Chelyabinsk. He was at the Traktor-Dynamo game today. Being told there are around five teams interested in him. #NYR. The Rangers are in the driver's seat with this one.
— sportsology (@sportsology) October 17, 2021

Latest on the Vitali Kravtsov situation

Last night, Elliotte Friedman gave this update on the New York Rangers and Vitali Kravtsov situation.

“I understand the Rangers have asked him ‘would you like to AHL Hartford and work your way back up’,” he said. “Kaapo Kakko got hurt tonight, he hasn’t agreed but the offer is out there.”

Kakko was placed on IR today and will miss 7 days. When the team opted to recall Morgan Barron that likely was a clear indication of what Kravtsov’s response would be.

vitali kravtsov — BUFFALO, NY – APRIL 3: Vitali Kravtsov #74 of the New York Rangers warms up before playing in his first career NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on April 3, 2021 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

I reached out to Kravtsov’s agent Dan Milstein earlier today to ask about the request but he declined to make any public comments. Lo and Behold, his client had already left for Russia.

Kravtsov, whom the Rangers selected 9th overall in the 2018 Draft wants out so bad that he’s willing to report to any other team’s AHL affiliate.

Also Read:
New York Rangers place Kaapo Kakko on IR; recall Morgan Barron

Rangers current ask is unrealistic

I recently detailed how the Rangers got here with Kravtsov in detail here.

The Rangers wanted Kravtsov to work on his conditioning, which they had concerns with since last summer. His injury during preseason, believed to be a groin, may have stemmed from it. However, Chris Drury was never a fan of the selection in the first place, and there’s now a level of distrust from Kravtsov’s side.

So here we are with the Rangers using their leverage to salvage the situation, but asking for a high and unrealistic return.

Forever Blueshirts has learned that at least three teams have made offers but to this point it hasn’t moved the needle.

A source also detailed for me earlier in the week that the return will most likely be similar to what the Rangers got when they dealt Lias Andersson for a second round pick.

Teams that currently hold multiple second round selections are the Red Wings, Senators, Flames, and Coyotes.