Rangers Roundup: Updated playoff odds, Vitali Kravtsov, and more

new york rangers
Feb 6, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) celebrates his second goal of the game during the third period against the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers will be on the road for two games starting on Thursday when they take on the Detroit Red Wings. They will then hop a plane to face the Washington Capitals on Saturday afternoon.

This season the Rangers are currently third in the Metropolitan Division, four points behind the New Jersey Devils.

At 33-15-9 they have amassed 75 points with a .658 points percentage. That’s a 10 point lead over the New York Islanders, who are in fourth place and hold the first wild card spot.

Let’s check in on the Rangers playoff offs.

New York Rangers playoff odds

Per the website Money Puck, the Blueshirts have a 97.5% chance of making the playoffs. That ranks sixth best to date.

In addition, they have the Rangers with just a 1.9% chance of winning the Stanley Cup. That’s a ridiculous 16th on their rankings. The Carolina Hurricanes (14.3%) and Edmonton Oilers (12.3%) top the list, with the league-leading Boston Bruins ranked 4th at 9.9%.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have had the most upwards traction with Vegas oddmakers after acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko, by a 600 point jump.

Vegas Insider shows the Rangers now at +1400. They started the season at +2000.

Vitali Kravtsov update

VITALI KRAVTSOV
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Kravtsov, 23, has registered a total of 10 points in 48 career NHL games all with the Rangers. This season, he’s notched just six points in 28 games and is expected to be traded by the March 3 trade deadline for a draft pick.

The Rangers selected him 9th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft with hopes that he would develop into a top six winger. However, Kravtsov’s development was delayed as he used his European Out clause to head back to Russia in 2019 instead of playing in the AHL. The covid pandemic impacted everyone in 2020, but his decision to not report to the Hartford Wolf Pack last season was probably a move he’d like to have back.

As GM Chris Drury works on a deal, it seems a minor move involving Kravtsov has already been made. According to Larry Brooks in his latest Inside The Rangers for Post Sports+ (subscription required), Kravtsov had his locker moved at the MSG Training Center.

When he was asked about it, Kravtsov told the Brooks: “I don’t know.”

When it comes to a possible return, back in December a knowledgeable source put his value at no higher than a second-round pick and more likely a third. If the Rangers can get a second, look for a team with multiple second-round picks as a likely destination.

List of teams with multiple 2023 second-round picks:

  • Anaheim Ducks
  • Buffalo Sabres
  • Chicago Blackhawks
  • Detroit Red Wings
  • Seattle Kraken

NHL News and Rumors

NHL Recaps. All the latest scores here.

Check out the latest NHL Trade Bait Tracker right here!

NHL Rumors: Patrick Kane decision coming. Read more.

Jonathan Toews dealing wint illness, will not be traded. Read more.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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