Report: New York Rangers grant Vitali Kravtsov permission to seek a trade

new york rangers draft
Jun 22, 2018; Dallas, TX, USA; Vitali Kravtsov puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the New York Rangers in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers sent Vitali Kravtsov down yesterday when the final roster was announced. Most believed this was mainly due to the Rangers using his waiver exempt status in order to work on other deals for players like Libor Hajek who would need to clear waivers to the AHL.

Elliotte Friedman is now reporting that New York Rangers have granted Vitali Kravtsov and his agent permission to contact other clubs in order to seek a trade.

Per Larry Brooks: Kravtsov will not report to Hartford and will be suspended.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1447946815123435528?s=20

Vitali Kravtsov asks for a trade

vitali kravtsov trade
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In 2020-21, the 21 year-old registered 4 points in 20 contests. This year looked like a huge opportunity for Vitali with the departure of Pavel Buchnevich. Unfortunately, he failed to distinguish himself and a lower-body injury also hampered his ability to make the team.

With that said, red flags with the Rangers 9th overall pick in 2018 began the first time he was sent to Hartford and used his European out clause to return to the KHL. There was some talk about miscommunications, but yesterday’s demotion may have put this situation over the edge.

Back in November of 2020, Kravtsov was asked about potential trade rumors to which he said, “I can’t say anything about this.”

He also added at the time he didn’t see a place for himself on the Rangers. “Count how many players they have at my position. There’s plenty to chose from. Right now there’s no place on paper for me.” With Kreider or Lafrenière being selected to replace Buchnevich as the top line right wing, and the acquisition of Sammy Blais, it looks like Kravtsov wants a fresh start.

Per a source, Kravtsov feels very strongly that he belongs at the NHL level and is a very confident, maybe too confident hockey player to accept this demotion. A trade should not be hard to facilitate, but NY won’t just give him away.

In hindsight, I guess the Rangers should’ve selected Oliver Wahlstrom.

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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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