Vitali Kravtsov will be coming to Rangers Phase 3 training camp
I have confirmed with a team source that Rangers prospect Vitali Kravtsov has been invited to training camp. The 20 year-old 1st round pick is still in Russia but should be in New York in time to partake in Phase 3 of the NHL’s Return to Play plans on or around July 10th.
John Davidson indicated he would have Vitali Kravtsov for camp
In a recent Zoom conference for season subscribers, team President, John Davidson said he was going to get him in camp “whenever that is”. That led to some confusion if he meant the Phase 3 camp or training camp for next season. I can now confirm he meant for these upcoming playoffs. I reached out to Kravtsov to see when he will be traveling back to NY. No reply at this time.
That’s two confirmed non-roster invites for Rangers
Earlier this week I was told by Libor Hajek he will also be attending Phase 3 camp. Hajek has decent size at 6’0″, 210 pounds and is very proficient at being a shutdown defenseman. He is a smooth skater who relies on his hockey smarts to move the puck out of the zone. That is why Jeff Gorton wanted him included in the deal that saw Ryan McDonagh head to Tampa Bay Lightning.
Coming into this season, Libor made the team out of camp and was partnered on left defense with Adam Fox. The two rookies had some puck management issues and were separated with Hajek finding himself playing mostly with Jacob Trouba. In 28 games this season he tallied 5 assists but struggled at times. He was eventually sent down to Hartford to continue his development. He picked up 3 points playing for the Wolf Pack in 23 games.
Now Libor stands a great chance of being added to the expanded roster of 28 skaters and unlimited goalies. His familiarity of playing for David Quinn and with both Trouba and Fox should make him an easy addition to the Rangers “Black Aces”. The same can be said for Kravtsov, if nothing more to witness an NHL playoff run up close.
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