Rangers Roundup: Vitali Kravtsov trade request, Brennan Othmann check-in, and more

new york rangers lineup vitali kravtsov
Nov 10, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Rangers right wing Vitali Kravtsov (74) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Olli Maatta (2) in the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The big New York Rangers news post Vladimir Tarasenko has been Vitali Kravtsov and the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline (March 3).

What everyone basically suspected has been confirmed by Larry Brooks of the NY Post.

The Post has confirmed that Vitali Kravtsov’s camp has requested that No. 74 be moved ahead of the March 3 deadline if he is not a part of the club’s immediate plans.

NY Post

This should come as a shock to no one. It would also not be the first time, since it was reported that Kravtsov and his agent were granted permission to talk with teams back at the start of the 2021-22 campaign to facilitate a trade.

Vitali Kravtsov trade request

The frustration has likely been mounting for awhile on both sides. Gerard Gallant has given Kravtsov several opportunities in the top six, but the former 9th overall pick in the 2018 Draft has been unable to make a case for himself.

After being scratched for four straight games to allow prospect Will Cuylle to showcase his talents, Kravtsov was reinserted in the team’s win over the Seattle Kraken on Friday. He finished the game with a +1 rating in 10:46 of ice time failing to register a shot. This prompted a scratch when the team faced the far more aggressive Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.

“I wasn’t disappointed in him but we wanted a different mix tonight,” Gallant replied when asked if Kravtsov was showing enough to stay in the lineup.

That led to the rumblings that Kravtsov was back on the trading block and confirmed by Elliotte Friedman that same night.

“Kravtsov scratched tonight,” Friedman noted. “I think he’s been made available.”

Kravtsov, 23, has six points in 28 games this season for the Rangers. He will be an RFA with arbitration rights in July and GM Chris Drury was already probably looking to move him by the Deadline to avoid a messy contract negotiation as well.

Regarding a possible return for Kravtsov, back in December, a knowledgeable source put his value at no higher than a second-round pick and more likely a third. Seeing where things are now, the Rangers will likely take that deal or a prospect in a similar situation that is either a center or a defenseman.

Keep your eyes on the Rangers and Arizona Coyotes over the next few days. They have two potential targets in Nick Bjugstad and Nick Ritchie that could make for a suitable trade partner involving Kravtsov.

NYR Prospects check-in

Brennan Othmann Petes
Brennan Othmann about to score his first goal with the Peterborough Petes. Photo: David Pickering (@_picks_pics)

Brennan Othmann keeps humming along with the Peterborough Petes registering his 22nd goal of the season on Sunday. In 39 OHL games split between the Petes and Flint Firebirds, he has recorded 49 points.

The big winger plays in all situations with four power play goals and one shorthanded tally on the year to date.

Othmann, 20, was the Rangers first-round pick in 2021. He’s expected to compete for a roster spot at training camp next season. Regardless, he will be playing pro hockey either with the Rangers or their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

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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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