Vitali Kravtsov

Kravtsov was loaned to Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL in November and completed his season there after he refused to be sent down to the AHL by the Rangers. The deal for the ninth-overall pick in 2018 is a one-way deal. He had six goals and 13 points in 19 regular season games and seven goals and 10 points in 15 playoff games. Kravtsov played 20 games for the Rangers in 2020-21 and had two goals and four points.

“Vitali Kravtsov did not accept the offer of the club, he did not explain the reasons for the refusal. Although we made an offer in full accordance with his requirements," said Traktor Chelyabinsk general director Ivan Savin, per Google translate. "The rights to (Kravtsov) in the KHL remain with Traktor. Apparently, Kravtsov decided to go overseas to play. But I think that he needs to spend a full season at Traktor and then go to the NHL.” Kravtsov was loaned to the KHL team in November after he refused to report the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.

Kravtsov is playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk since he was loaned at the beginning of Nov. after he refused his demotion to Hartford of the AHL at the end of training camp. Kravtsov would have loved a trade from the Rangers at the deadline last week but that was not to be and he could return to the Rangers, where he is under contract, after the KHL playoffs end. Kravtsov was selected ninth overall in 2018 but has been a disappointment ever since in the NHL. Stay tuned.

Kravtsov can be brought back by the Rangers once the KHL season is over. There have been trade rumors, but it appears as though both sides are committed to each other again.