Report: More than a dozen teams in on Kravtsov trade, including three Canadian teams
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HockeyFeed
It's not exactly a secret that New York Rangers prospect Vitali Kravtsov is seeking a fresh start. And, according to a report from NHL insider Nick Kypreos, he may get that fresh start sooner rather than later.
The 21 year old Kravtsov, who was selected 9th overall by the Rangers in 2018, has requested a trade to another NHL franchise after failing to crack the team in training camp for the third consecutive season. He was essentially the final cut made in camp and was demoted to the AHL's Hartford Wolfpack, but refused to report. He has now returned home to Russia to train while the Rangers and his representation attempt to swing a deal that will see him suit up in the NHL elsewhere this season.
While Rangers insider Larry Brooks reports that there has been "lukewarm" interest in Kravtsov around the league, NHL insider Nick Kypreos, formerly of Sportsnet and now of the Fan590 radio in Toronto, reports that a staggering 15 teams have interest in Kravtsov including three Canadian teams: the Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators.
From Kypreos:
With reportedly nearly half the league in on Kravtsov trade talks it may be silly to speculate on where he'll end up, but I honestly could see him with any of those three Canadian teams that Kypreos names. In particular I could see him being a good fit with the Flames or Senators.
The Flames have a real need for depth wingers that can play on any one of the top three lines. The team's top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk isn't likely to be broken up anytime soon, but Kravtsov could very easily take ice time away from Brett Ritchie, Trevor Lewis or Tyler Pitlick on the 2nd or 3rd line.
As for the Sens, well... they're clearly a young team whose focus is on development and gaining confidence. The team's best players are all in the same age bracket as Kravtsov, so he clearly fits the team's identity. Put a skilled guy like Kravtsov alongside Josh Norris, Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk and I'm willing to bet that he'll finally establish himself as a full-time NHLer.
