Confirmed with Link: Kravtsov requests trade

[gravey9]

It still happened during the international break.

Regardless of timing, he ultimately left Russia because he was even less happy with his situation there. Otherwise he would have never returned to the AHL.

 

[haveandare]

How is the problem with Drury, not playing in the AHL, but had only come up 2/2 times he was sent down?

He needs to outscore Hunt at some level on this continent before he can claim that he deserves anything. It’s not a high ceiling.

 

[2014nyr]

These arguments you put forth make absolutely zero sense. I would go as far as to call them completely fallacious.

Firstly, no my argument suggest the Rangers are indeed terrible at developing players. We are talking about 4 players in about 8 years that are still with the Rangers. The likes of Pionk and Buch and Blackwell, while developed here, are pretty much the extent of those developed and traded away. Players like Miller and Andersson were not developed here, but only showed their actual potential when they left. No matter how you look at it, it's damning of the organization. And we are talking about at most, less than 10 prospects developed successfully. Which, no matter how you look at it, would be one of the absolute worst records in the league. So no, my argument and statements are completely accurate.

Yes, NHL teams do develop players. They develop them at the NHL and AHL level. Chytil is a perfect example. And they develop skills like skating and shooting as well as acclimating players to the NHL level.

Kravtsov has shown no need for further skill development and is NHL ready. Something even the organization realizes as the only excuse they have for sending him down is "conditioning".

I can't begin to understand the mindset that would lead someone to throw a 21 year old under the bus and accuse them of having mental problems or being a "headcase".

Talk about "backwards". The arguments quoted above are "backwards" indeed. But believe what you want to believe.

None of your arguments carry any weight or show any insight into the situation or frankly the NHL and the development of players.

"
nhl teams don't "develop" players. you think they're teaching kids to skate or teaching them how to catch a pass on their backhand? they'll scout and provide feedback before they arrive but thats about it." ---

But this part directly above might be the worst of them all. That argument is so nonsensical it hurts. And it flies in the face of reality. Yes, NHL teams do provide skill coaches for specific player needs, like skating. Bo Horvat worked directly with a skating coach after being drafted and now he's an exceptional skater, a skill developed because of the organization he's with. Chytil, terrible at faceoffs, has been developing his faceoff ability for a couple of years now, at the NHL level. So to suggest NHL organizations don't develop players, don't help them improve things like shooting, skating, passing etc... is completely inaccurate and completely in opposition to reality. I don't even know where to begin if that's what you actually believe. I would suggest perhaps reading about hockey or development or at least watching hockey as to better understand why that statement is the furthest thing from the truth.

I'll just leave it at that. Good day.

you wanna talk about making no sense? i don't think you have any idea about hockey development or an nhl organizations involvement with it. or the definition of development. pionk was signed outta college at 22 years old undrafted...he played parts of 3 seasons here. how much developing you think the rangers did? you think they sent him to skills and drills in the offseason that improved him? blackwell was here for 45 games after like 5 years in the minors of nashville and the rangers developed him?? lias andersson flat out sucks. buch developed as a ranger. buch developed himself, not the other way around. he took to heart what was expected of him and put the work in to become that player. newsflash..every player in every org is given feedback on where/what to improve if they want to excel - its not rocket science to figure out whats needed. mgmt knows it, coaches know it, the players who are self aware know it. so why doesn't every player maximize their potential? because most aren't willing to do what it takes. some meet physical limitations.

"players showing their actual potential when they left"...as in they were developed and a change of scenery / roster fit allowed them to display that ability. or overnight they were developed in a new org?

sorry you're so offended about krav but the truth is the truth. he gets news he doesn't like and packs his bag and flies home? thats not a rational response. you're unhappy and want a trade...give yourself the shortest path to that. he's just reactive because he still hasn't figured out the world doesn't revolve around keeping him happy. put all the lipstick on that pig you want, i'll call a spade a spade. if you think its in his or the orgs best interest to enable that kinda mentality you're just burying your head in the sand

and you're proving my point exactly with horvat..van knew it, he knew it, the whole world knew it - he wasn't the best skater, so he worked at it. thats the player committing to developing, it wasn't some genius strategy rolled out by van. look at kakko who was a horrific skater year one, way better year 2, and looks to have taken another massive step this year. he developed, the rangers didn't do that. sure they talked bout it in exit interviews etc but you don't think he knew it was a weakness? same applies to laf.

yea guys work on all sorts of things throughout their career. you wanna last in the league you have to constantly look in the mirror at areas you can improve. sure coaches are gonna give feedback. you can always improve one off skills like a first step, your release, one timer etc by working at it. but no amount of organizational development, or any development, is turning kevin rooney into patrick kane. you are what you are broadly speaking. you can add features that can increase versatility / value, but you can't teach hockey sense. brady skjei had all the tools in the world, and he improved technically at them over his years here. you know what didn't improve? his hockey sense. adam fox is the polar opposite and just won of norris because he's arguably the smartest player in the league. the rangers had did not develop that.

there's cases where coaches or an org have had a substantial impact ie some scorers coming up having to reinvent themselves as grinders to carve out a career. most of the time the players themselves recognize it.

bottom line your ability is what it is long before you reach the nhl. you can develop physically, technically, work at situational play, and manipulate the style of game you play. but bottom line is if you don't have it upstairs you're limited. and upstairs goes for both hockey sense on the ice and having the right mental approach off of it. the best thing an org can do is provide feedback to kids, make sure they're in the right place mentally and in a good situation for their confidence / ambition pre arrival. and then provide an organizational culture thats open and pushes guys to be their best. if you do that waters gonna find its level. a great way to not do that is to kowtow to a high pick who thinks he's gonna dictate his role as a 21 year old so that he doesn't pick up his ball and go home.

 

[NYR2007]

At the end of the day none of us know what the real story is and who is really to blame. These players are humans and most are still kids . Sometimes personalities don’t gel. Everyone arguing in here with each other has no clue what’s really going on behind doors

 

[will1066]

It's going to be a long two more days till the next game.

 

[BBKers]

Chris Drury was named General Manager of the Wolf Pack May 16, 2017. On this same date Chris Drury fired Ken Gernander as the coach of the Wolfpack. He had held this position since July 23, 2007. Drury also then served as Assistant General Manager of the parent New York Rangers, having been promoted to that post on September 2, 2016.

On June 12, 2017, Keith McCambridge was named as the new Wolf Pack head coach by Chris Drury.

On June 23, 2017, Lias Andersson was selected by the New York Rangers, seventh overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Andersson's father Niklas played 763 SHL games and 165 NHL games, and his uncle Mikael played 761 NHL games.

On June 22 of 2018, Vitali Kravtsov was drafted ninth overall by the New York Rangers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. When Kravtsov was drafted in 2018 - the Rangers let him play one full season in the KHL. Some believed that the Rangers erred in taking him ninth overall, but he opened some eyes with a dominant performance at the U20 Four Nations tournament in August 2018. There is a guy named Wahlstrom many were clamoring for.

Kravtsov’s play in the KHL that season and at the World Junior Championships however had many observers believing that he was a steal. He had two goals and six points in seven games for the bronze medalist Russian team. He was thereafter signed by the Rangers to a three-year, entry-level contract on May 3, 2019. With all of the surrounding hype, the expectation was that he would become a New York Ranger for the 2019-20 season. It’s obvious that Kravtsov also believed in the hype. He came to North America to train early on and he learned how to speak English. His social media accounts were filled with New York Ranger logos and the 19-year-old was ready for the big time.

On April 15, 2019 Chris Drury fired Keith McCambridge as the coach of the Hartford Wolfpack.

John Davidson was hired on May 17, 2019 as the NYR team President, replacing Glen Sather, to oversee the final stages of the rebuild that GM Jeff Gorton had largely executed.

On July 29, 2019 The New York Rangers via Chris Drury announced that the team has named Kris Knoblauch Head Coach of the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Knoblauch was the seventh head coach in Wolf Pack history.

Kravtsov probably thought he’d be handed a spot on the big club at the 2019 autumn training camp - but that didn’t happen - partially due to a numbers crunch. And, for the record, he wasn’t quite ready to play in North America - at least not in the NHL. He was assigned to Hartford. After recording only one assist in only five games for the Wolf Pack, Kravtsov then chose to use his European out Clause after not making the NHL team and having to play minor league hockey in North America.

This was a clause that was negotiated by him and Which the Rangers also had signed. However - he was called out by Management on choosing to do so. When Kravtsov goes to say his goodbyes to Wolfpack teammates and staff, Hartford GM Chris Drury explicitly told Kravtsov in public that he’d “quit” on the team. Ok. Tough Love. Kravtsov also then in evident fury deleted all his Rangers photos on his Instagram account. Something that got a lot of public attention and gave people a reason to be a bit concerned. At least about his immaturity.

On October 26, 2019 the infamous Russian heartbeat interview takes place… https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/kravtsov-unplugged-opens-up-in-interview-with-sport-express/ . This was When the estrangement really Began. Kravtsov had been cuddled by NYR Head European Scout Nick Bobrov. That much is for sure. And likely promised too many things. And he was very outspoken and non understanding about the Rangers taken position.

Kravtsov then opted to continue his development back in Russia, securing a loan for the remainder of the season with former club, Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, on 28 October 2019. Kravtsov appeared in 11 games in his return to Chelyabinsk (but was also demoted to a lower league the MHL aka “the moon”), recording 3 points, before his loan was ended prematurely by the Rangers (after GM Jeff Gorton personally intervened) and he was then re-assigned to re-join the Wolf Pack on 13 December 2019. He finished playing AHL again that year, in his D1 season, where he in 29 more games he scored six goals and had another 13 points.

On December 22nd, 2019 - the former 7th overall 1st round pick in the 2017 draft, Lias Andersson, was suspended for leaving the Hartford Wolf Pack after requesting to be traded. Chris Drury was GM with the Wolfpack at this time.

In March of 2020, the pandemic shut the NHL down, and also ended the AHL season. Coach Kris Knoblauch however publicly stated that Kravtsov did everything that was asked of him upon his return.

Kravtsov returned to U.S. that summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic when NHL hockey resumed, despite knowing he'd likely be left out of the playoff lineup in the Toronto bubble for three consecutive losses vs The Carolina Hurricanes August 1-5. . Kravtsov also missed his sister Anastasias wedding in Russia - rushing to North America 2 days earlier to participate in the training camp. Kravtsov, K-A Miller, Tim Gettinger and Brandon Crawley were all part of “the extended roster” not expected to play, and Miller did not travel with the team to Toronto.

So Kravtsov joined the Rangers in the Toronto bubble for the team’s brief 2020 playoff appearance and was there again, according to multiple sources, involved in an confrontational incident between himself and Chris Drury in which the young forward was ripped apart in practice for his lack of work ethic being dressed down by the then-assistant GM for “not working hard enough”. That happened on the ice - again in full view of teammates. David Quinn coached The New York Rangers at this time. Kravtsov also reportedly missed a team bus to the rink which further infuriated management..

On October 8th, 2020 Lias Andersson was traded to Los Angeles for a 2nd round pick (#60).

At the beginning of the 2021 season Rangers fans then experienced the entire ADA drama in a situation where he is kicked off the team by GMJG after a warning and thereafter engaging in a fight with teammate Alexander Georgiev after a loss on January 29th, 2021. But Kravtsov is then in Russia playing - after this was agreed by the NYR team - when he on 30 August 2020 signed a one-year extension with Traktor. He had a Pretty decent D2 season in the KHL with 16 goals, 24 points in 49 games and 2 goals and 4 points in 5 playoff games.

So he is thereafter brought over to play the last 20 games with the Rangers. Kravtsov made his NHL debut in the Rangers' 3–2 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on 3 April 2021. He scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils on 18 April 2021. Kravtsov does not put up that many points, but otoh gets mostly 3rd-4th line minutes stapled to offensively inept center Brett Howden - and Kevin Rooney - while the other two younger 1st rounders (Kakko + LAF) get higher line minutes.

The first line RW position is taken by Pavel Buchnevich. The second line RW spot is mostly taken by Colin Blackwell, a player The New York Rangers later neglected to protect in the 2021 Expansion draft (and is selected by Seattle). Kappo Kakko plays RW on the 3rd line, often together with Filip Chytil and LAF/Chris Kreider. Kravtsov, at this time and during this stint, definitely looked like the young NYR first rounder (compared to Kakko and LAF) that had come the furthest in their development. Although sometimes showing some defensive weaknesses and lack of upper body strength.

On February 5, 2021, Chris Drury was promoted to associate general manager of The New York Rangers.

During this time period, turbulence rears its head within the entire NYR organization. In a shocking turn of events, the New York Rangers owner James Dolan fired team president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton on May 5, 2021. The firings came one day after the Rangers released a statement related to the so-called “Tom Wilson incident”. In that statement, ownership of the Rangers wrote that they believe George Parros -- the NHL's Head of Safety -- is "unfit to continue in his current role." Management was not behind the formulation or delivery of the letter.

Chris Drury was also named the Rangers' President and General Manager on May 5, 2021, thereby becoming the 12th President and 12th General Manager in franchise history. Glen Sather then also got a new role as special advisor.

And on May 12, 2021 - David Quinn was fired by Chris Drury as the NYR head coach.

It has also been reported that Kravtsov shortly thereafter underwent a contentious exit interview with new GM Chris Drury at the end of the 2020/2021 season, the Rangers taking issue with his “offseason training methods”. More significantly, Kravtsov expressed his belief during that session that he belonged on one of the top two lines, rather than the frequent spot on the fourth line he occupied after his late-season callup. The discussion was so heated - that Kravtsov thought he was on the trading block.

So when Chris Drury replaced John Davidson and Jeff Gorton at the end of last season, Kravtsov was fairly certain he would be dealt. His name was certainly out there in the rumor mill prior to that anyway. Both in concrete discussions with Buffalo for Jack Eichel and in other more preliminary talks (Larkin/Detroit…) for a center. However, it didn’t come to pass. Pavel Buchnevich was however instead traded to St Louis for Sammy Blais and a 2nd round pick.

June 14, 2021 - Gerard Gallant is hired by Chris Drury as new Head Coach of the NYR organization.

Although he had only 20 games under his belt, Kravtsov was not invited to the Prospects Development Camp in September. Chris Drury said that he had more experience than the other prospects and he was invited to training camp with the veteran players. Drury said “We just felt like we wanted him with the NHL skaters… We were excited with big parts of his game last year.” That kind of message lead to the now 21-year old Kravtsov believing that he was a virtual lock to make the Rangers roster. However, Chris Drury is now on record as saying he was never a fan of the draft selection of in the first place, and there’s now an irreparable level of distrust from Kravtsov’s side.

The 6-foot-3 Russian began training camp on the third line with Barclay Goodrow and Filip Chytil in opener on September 26th. He even started on the top line LW for the Oct. 2 preseason game against the New Jersey Devils. But he suffered a lower-body (groin) injury early in that contest, which forced him to miss a few days of practice and the next two preseason games. Coach Gallant had also started trying to use Chris Kreider and LAF on the RW position on the 1st line (their usual position being LW).

On October 2, 2021 Coach Gallant reported on Kravtsovs injury status, “He’s just day-to-day, he’s not making the trip with us,” Gallant said after the morning skate. “I don’t think it’s anything major and we will see when we get back from our bonding trip.” The intent was to play Kravtsov both games, including the October 2 contest against Boston - but that changed.

Ryan Reaves, who was also injured (then feared more seriously) in the game against New Jersey by a slew foot from P.K. Subban - was however invited along for the team building activities which were taking place in Rhode Island. Reaves injury status was still on October 11th listed as day to day by The New York Post. This humiliating decision reportedly gave Kravtsov a clear indication of where the team had planned his future placement - regardless of his training camp performance.

Kravtsov returned for the preseason finale against the Islanders, where he scored a highlight first-period goal, but it wasn't enough to convince the Rangers to keep him on the opening night roster. Because the New York Rangers had then decided that Dryden Hunt, Julien Gauthier and Libor Hajek (as an 8th defenseman) we’re better fits to take roster spots than the 21 year-old Kravtsov.

Of course, this was not Gallant’s decision alone. President and GM Chris Drury was also involved - if not directly responsible - in making the decision. In fact, in a tweet by beat writer Vince Z. Mercogliano on October 11, he states “NYR have to make two more cuts by 5 pm today. I asked Coach Gallant who that will be: “You’re talking to the wrong guy," he said with a smile. Will waivers be a factor? ‘You’re talking to the wrong guy," he repeated. So Drury picks the roster; Gallant picks the captains…

A bit later, Coach Gallant suddenly had a bit of a different explanation to the roster choices made on Opening Night and instead said it was performance based.. ‘There was no reason why, it was about picking your team that you’re moving forward with, trying to win hockey games,” Gallant explained about Kravtsov’s demotion. “We said there was battles for those spots all training camp long and the other guys played well… [Gauthier and Hunt and those guys]. Some of the guys stayed up and they earned this position.”

He spoke specifically about Kravtsov. “We like Kravy, he’s a good hockey player, a good talented player, hopefully he goes down to Hartford and plays really well. He’s a talented, skilled hockey player. He missed some time with the injury. I like his last game, he played better in his last game…things change in the NHL, we’ll see where it goes.”

The question many now ask is why was he demoted? The obvious reason is being that he was waivers-exempt along with Morgan Barron and the team felt that they could lose players who had to be waived. In other words, it was strictly a waivers-driven decision. But no one will dare say that. Was he beaten out of a roster spot? Maybe. Maybe not… Was this a personally biased based decision made solely by upper Management? Very possibly, yes…

Kravtsov appeared to be in line for an NHL role this season, arriving in the New York area more than a month before training camp to workout and prepare. He spoke during camp about doing a better job of dealing with the ups and downs of professional hockey, yet he clearly did not accept the demotion. Kravtsov also then notified the team he would not report to the Wolf Pack upon hearing the news of his demotion. The Rangers then granted him and his agent permission to seek out such a trade. His new Agent - Dan Milstein (firing Sathers buddy Paul Theofanus in the process) - also stated he’s OK with playing in the AHL this season — just somewhere else outside The NYR organization.

The situation is now eerily similar to that of Lias Andersson. Both were “off the board picks”, each having been drafted on the recommendation of then-director of player personnel Gordie Clark. Clark is now a pro scout and former director of European scouting Nick Bobrov was dismissed over the summer of 2021. It has also been reported by The New York Post that “at least one teammate advised Kravtsov that ice time must be earned in the NHL and is not bequeathed on draft position alone.” Maybe they were both entitled little brats? Maybe they had legitimate gripes?

According to a couple of sources, Rangers’ coach Gerard Gallant personally called Vitali Kravtsov on October 18th to ask the forward to consider returning to back The Rangers. Kravtsov is now back in Russia, but several teams say they’ve been told he wants to play in the NHL this season, not stay overseas. He reportedly went home to Russia to find a comfortable spot to skate and be ready. Getting him to come back to New York will apparently take some serious convincing, as it’s not his preference. He reportedly replied to Gallant he’d “like a fresh start”.

Here we are… Whiny brats and not so smart Management.

 

[NickyFotiu]

87 pages. Bottom line is he either wants to be a part of the NY Rangers organization or he does not. If he doesn't want to be part of our organization that is fine. Good luck wherever you go. I want guys that want to be part of this organization. Not guys that do not.

 

[FIRE DRURY]

Chris Drury was named General Manager of the Wolf Pack May 16, 2017. On this same date Chris Drury fired Ken Gernander as the coach of the Wolfpack. He had held this position since July 23, 2007. Drury also then served as Assistant General Manager of the parent New York Rangers, having been promoted to that post on September 2, 2016.

On June 12, 2017, Keith McCambridge was named as the new Wolf Pack head coach by Chris Drury.

On June 23, 2017, Lias Andersson was selected by the New York Rangers, seventh overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Andersson's father Niklas played 763 SHL games and 165 NHL games, and his uncle Mikael played 761 NHL games.

On June 22 of 2018, Vitali Kravtsov was drafted ninth overall by the New York Rangers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. When Kravtsov was drafted in 2018 - the Rangers let him play one full season in the KHL. Some believed that the Rangers erred in taking him ninth overall, but he opened some eyes with a dominant performance at the U20 Four Nations tournament in August 2018. There is a guy named Wahlstrom many were clamoring for.

Kravtsov’s play in the KHL that season and at the World Junior Championships however had many observers believing that he was a steal. He had two goals and six points in seven games for the bronze medalist Russian team. He was thereafter signed by the Rangers to a three-year, entry-level contract on May 3, 2019. With all of the surrounding hype, the expectation was that he would become a New York Ranger for the 2019-20 season. It’s obvious that Kravtsov also believed in the hype. He came to North America to train early on and he learned how to speak English. His social media accounts were filled with New York Ranger logos and the 19-year-old was ready for the big time.

On April 15, 2019 Chris Drury fired Keith McCambridge as the coach of the Hartford Wolfpack.

John Davidson was hired on May 17, 2019 as the NYR team President, replacing Glen Sather, to oversee the final stages of the rebuild that GM Jeff Gorton had largely executed.

On July 29, 2019 The New York Rangers via Chris Drury announced that the team has named Kris Knoblauch Head Coach of the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Knoblauch was the seventh head coach in Wolf Pack history.

Kravtsov probably thought he’d be handed a spot on the big club at the 2019 autumn training camp - but that didn’t happen - partially due to a numbers crunch. And, for the record, he wasn’t quite ready to play in North America - at least not in the NHL. He was assigned to Hartford. After recording only one assist in only five games for the Wolf Pack, Kravtsov then chose to use his European out Clause after not making the NHL team and having to play minor league hockey in North America.

This was a clause that was negotiated by him and Which the Rangers also had signed. However - he was called out by Management on choosing to do so. When Kravtsov goes to say his goodbyes to Wolfpack teammates and staff, Hartford GM Chris Drury explicitly told Kravtsov in public that he’d “quit” on the team. Ok. Tough Love. Kravtsov also then in evident fury deleted all his Rangers photos on his Instagram account. Something that got a lot of public attention and gave people a reason to be a bit concerned. At least about his immaturity.

On October 26, 2019 the infamous Russian heartbeat interview takes place… https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/kravtsov-unplugged-opens-up-in-interview-with-sport-express/ . This was When the estrangement really Began. Kravtsov had been cuddled by NYR Head European Scout Nick Bobrov. That much is for sure. And likely promised too many things. And he was very outspoken and non understanding about the Rangers taken position.

Kravtsov then opted to continue his development back in Russia, securing a loan for the remainder of the season with former club, Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, on 28 October 2019. Kravtsov appeared in 11 games in his return to Chelyabinsk (but was also demoted to a lower league the MHL aka “the moon”), recording 3 points, before his loan was ended prematurely by the Rangers (after GM Jeff Gorton personally intervened) and he was then re-assigned to re-join the Wolf Pack on 13 December 2019. He finished playing AHL again that year, in his D1 season, where he in 29 more games he scored six goals and had another 13 points.

On December 22nd, 2019 - the former 7th overall 1st round pick in the 2017 draft, Lias Andersson, was suspended for leaving the Hartford Wolf Pack after requesting to be traded. Chris Drury was GM with the Wolfpack at this time.

In March of 2020, the pandemic shut the NHL down, and also ended the AHL season. Coach Kris Knoblauch however publicly stated that Kravtsov did everything that was asked of him upon his return.

Kravtsov returned to U.S. that summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic when NHL hockey resumed, despite knowing he'd likely be left out of the playoff lineup in the Toronto bubble for three consecutive losses vs The Carolina Hurricanes August 1-5. . Kravtsov also missed his sister Anastasias wedding in Russia - rushing to North America 2 days earlier to participate in the training camp. Kravtsov, K-A Miller, Tim Gettinger and Brandon Crawley were all part of “the extended roster” not expected to play, and Miller did not travel with the team to Toronto.

So Kravtsov joined the Rangers in the Toronto bubble for the team’s brief 2020 playoff appearance and was there again, according to multiple sources, involved in an confrontational incident between himself and Chris Drury in which the young forward was ripped apart in practice for his lack of work ethic being dressed down by the then-assistant GM for “not working hard enough”. That happened on the ice - again in full view of teammates. David Quinn coached The New York Rangers at this time. Kravtsov also reportedly missed a team bus to the rink which further infuriated management..

On October 8th, 2020 Lias Andersson was traded to Los Angeles for a 2nd round pick (#60).

At the beginning of the 2021 season Rangers fans then experienced the entire ADA drama in a situation where he is kicked off the team by GMJG after a warning and thereafter engaging in a fight with teammate Alexander Georgiev after a loss on January 29th, 2021. But Kravtsov is then in Russia playing - after this was agreed by the NYR team - when he on 30 August 2020 signed a one-year extension with Traktor. He had a Pretty decent D2 season in the KHL with 16 goals, 24 points in 49 games and 2 goals and 4 points in 5 playoff games.

So he is thereafter brought over to play the last 20 games with the Rangers. Kravtsov made his NHL debut in the Rangers' 3–2 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on 3 April 2021. He scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils on 18 April 2021. Kravtsov does not put up that many points, but otoh gets mostly 3rd-4th line minutes stapled to offensively inept center Brett Howden - and Kevin Rooney - while the other two younger 1st rounders (Kakko + LAF) get higher line minutes.

The first line RW position is taken by Pavel Buchnevich. The second line RW spot is mostly taken by Colin Blackwell, a player The New York Rangers later neglected to protect in the 2021 Expansion draft (and is selected by Seattle). Kappo Kakko plays RW on the 3rd line, often together with Filip Chytil and LAF/Chris Kreider. Kravtsov, at this time and during this stint, definitely looked like the young NYR first rounder (compared to Kakko and LAF) that had come the furthest in their development. Although sometimes showing some defensive weaknesses and lack of upper body strength.

On February 5, 2021, Chris Drury was promoted to associate general manager of The New York Rangers.

During this time period, turbulence rears its head within the entire NYR organization. In a shocking turn of events, the New York Rangers owner James Dolan fired team president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton on May 5, 2021. The firings came one day after the Rangers released a statement related to the so-called “Tom Wilson incident”. In that statement, ownership of the Rangers wrote that they believe George Parros -- the NHL's Head of Safety -- is "unfit to continue in his current role." Management was not behind the formulation or delivery of the letter.

Chris Drury was also named the Rangers' President and General Manager on May 5, 2021, thereby becoming the 12th President and 12th General Manager in franchise history. Glen Sather then also got a new role as special advisor.

And on May 12, 2021 - David Quinn was fired by Chris Drury as the NYR head coach.

It has also been reported that Kravtsov shortly thereafter underwent a contentious exit interview with new GM Chris Drury at the end of the 2020/2021 season, the Rangers taking issue with his “offseason training methods”. More significantly, Kravtsov expressed his belief during that session that he belonged on one of the top two lines, rather than the frequent spot on the fourth line he occupied after his late-season callup. The discussion was so heated - that Kravtsov thought he was on the trading block.

So when Chris Drury replaced John Davidson and Jeff Gorton at the end of last season, Kravtsov was fairly certain he would be dealt. His name was certainly out there in the rumor mill prior to that anyway. Both in concrete discussions with Buffalo for Jack Eichel and in other more preliminary talks (Larkin/Detroit…) for a center. However, it didn’t come to pass. Pavel Buchnevich was however instead traded to St Louis for Sammy Blais and a 2nd round pick.

June 14, 2021 - Gerard Gallant is hired by Chris Drury as new Head Coach of the NYR organization.

Although he had only 20 games under his belt, Kravtsov was not invited to the Prospects Development Camp in September. Chris Drury said that he had more experience than the other prospects and he was invited to training camp with the veteran players. Drury said “We just felt like we wanted him with the NHL skaters… We were excited with big parts of his game last year.” That kind of message lead to the now 21-year old Kravtsov believing that he was a virtual lock to make the Rangers roster. However, Chris Drury is now on record as saying he was never a fan of the draft selection of in the first place, and there’s now an irreparable level of distrust from Kravtsov’s side.

The 6-foot-3 Russian began training camp on the third line with Barclay Goodrow and Filip Chytil in opener on September 26th. He even started on the top line LW for the Oct. 2 preseason game against the New Jersey Devils. But he suffered a lower-body (groin) injury early in that contest, which forced him to miss a few days of practice and the next two preseason games. Coach Gallant had also started trying to use Chris Kreider and LAF on the RW position on the 1st line (their usual position being LW).

On October 2, 2021 Coach Gallant reported on Kravtsovs injury status, “He’s just day-to-day, he’s not making the trip with us,” Gallant said after the morning skate. “I don’t think it’s anything major and we will see when we get back from our bonding trip.” The intent was to play Kravtsov both games, including the October 2 contest against Boston - but that changed.

Ryan Reaves, who was also injured (then feared more seriously) in the game against New Jersey by a slew foot from P.K. Subban - was however invited along for the team building activities which were taking place in Rhode Island. Reaves injury status was still on October 11th listed as day to day by The New York Post. This humiliating decision reportedly gave Kravtsov a clear indication of where the team had planned his future placement - regardless of his training camp performance.

Kravtsov returned for the preseason finale against the Islanders, where he scored a highlight first-period goal, but it wasn't enough to convince the Rangers to keep him on the opening night roster. Because the New York Rangers had then decided that Dryden Hunt, Julien Gauthier and Libor Hajek (as an 8th defenseman) we’re better fits to take roster spots than the 21 year-old Kravtsov.

Of course, this was not Gallant’s decision alone. President and GM Chris Drury was also involved - if not directly responsible - in making the decision. In fact, in a tweet by beat writer Vince Z. Mercogliano on October 11, he states “NYR have to make two more cuts by 5 pm today. I asked Coach Gallant who that will be: “You’re talking to the wrong guy," he said with a smile. Will waivers be a factor? ‘You’re talking to the wrong guy," he repeated. So Drury picks the roster; Gallant picks the captains…

A bit later, Coach Gallant suddenly had a bit of a different explanation to the roster choices made on Opening Night and instead said it was performance based.. ‘There was no reason why, it was about picking your team that you’re moving forward with, trying to win hockey games,” Gallant explained about Kravtsov’s demotion. “We said there was battles for those spots all training camp long and the other guys played well… [Gauthier and Hunt and those guys]. Some of the guys stayed up and they earned this position.”

He spoke specifically about Kravtsov. “We like Kravy, he’s a good hockey player, a good talented player, hopefully he goes down to Hartford and plays really well. He’s a talented, skilled hockey player. He missed some time with the injury. I like his last game, he played better in his last game…things change in the NHL, we’ll see where it goes.”

The question many now ask is why was he demoted? The obvious reason is being that he was waivers-exempt along with Morgan Barron and the team felt that they could lose players who had to be waived. In other words, it was strictly a waivers-driven decision. But no one will dare say that. Was he beaten out of a roster spot? Maybe. Maybe not… Was this a personally biased based decision made solely by upper Management? Very possibly, yes…

Kravtsov appeared to be in line for an NHL role this season, arriving in the New York area more than a month before training camp to workout and prepare. He spoke during camp about doing a better job of dealing with the ups and downs of professional hockey, yet he clearly did not accept the demotion. Kravtsov also then notified the team he would not report to the Wolf Pack upon hearing the news of his demotion. The Rangers then granted him and his agent permission to seek out such a trade. His new Agent - Dan Milstein (firing Sathers buddy Paul Theofanus in the process) - also stated he’s OK with playing in the AHL this season — just somewhere else outside The NYR organization.

The situation is now eerily similar to that of Lias Andersson. Both were “off the board picks”, each having been drafted on the recommendation of then-director of player personnel Gordie Clark. Clark is now a pro scout and former director of European scouting Nick Bobrov was dismissed over the summer of 2021. It has also been reported by The New York Post that “at least one teammate advised Kravtsov that ice time must be earned in the NHL and is not bequeathed on draft position alone.” Maybe they were both entitled little brats? Maybe they had legitimate gripes?

According to a couple of sources, Rangers’ coach Gerard Gallant personally called Vitali Kravtsov on October 18th to ask the forward to consider returning to back The Rangers. Kravtsov is now back in Russia, but several teams say they’ve been told he wants to play in the NHL this season, not stay overseas. He reportedly went home to Russia to find a comfortable spot to skate and be ready. Getting him to come back to New York will apparently take some serious convincing, as it’s not his preference. He reportedly replied to Gallant he’d “like a fresh start”.

Here we are… Whiny brats and not so smart Management.

 

[NoQuitInNewMexico]

The Vladivostok Vesey

 

[Brother Mouzone]

MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN , he is acting like a bitch fo sho ................But I was on the we should work it out camp with TDA especially after Quinn and Gorts got sh^t canned , and I am on the we should work it out with Kravtsov camp we can't keep letting young talent walk over some BS that should be able to be worked out amongst man over a nice steak dinner .......Look at our PP and tell me we could not use TDA ..I'm not with it and it makes the FO look incapable

 

[chosen]

If he's not in game shape, what kind of shape are Laf & Kakko in? Those guys are out of breath every time they come to the bench

Most NHL players are.

You never noticed that when players are interviewed between periods they are often still breathing hard?

If it's not a conditioning issue, why do you believe Kravtsov was demoted? Is there a conspiracy afoot?

 

[chosen]

Everyone is forgetting that it is Drury he has the problem with, not playing in the AHL. He has already said he would play his up from the AHL on another team. Everyone calling him a spoiled brat are missing his real issue here. It's Drury.

And if that is the case, then that speaks volumes to how Drury handles players.

No, because it's not a bunch of players having a problem with Drury. It's one guy and it's the second time he's pulled a crybaby stunt.

 

[Levitate]

However, Chris Drury is now on record as saying he was never a fan of the draft selection of in the first place,

source on this?

 

[nyr2k2]

Can someone promise me to update this thread title if anything significant happens, so I don't otherwise have to read it anymore?

 

[kovazub94]

Regardless of timing, he ultimately left Russia because he was even less happy with his situation there. Otherwise he would have never returned to the AHL.

Yup, whatever reasons back then Kravtsov was underperforming, benched and kept out of the lineup in the KHL and, international break or not, was sent to work on his issues to a league that by and large corresponds to the ECHL! Top 10 pick! No wonder he ran back to the AHL and supposedly worked his ass off to make unaware (us fans) believe he got his head on straight.

 

[jay from jersey]

Guys, you can forget about Kravtsov.

If the current team fails, this generational talent is guaranteed to pull a Fox and force his way to NYR and lead us to the promised land in 18ish years.
View attachment 472169

Or he might be the next John Holmes.... unless that’s an arm I’m looking at.

just kidding. Congrats bud

 

[jay from jersey]

It's not great stuff here but I would have to see more of a sample to condemn Drury as unable to handle players.

I'm not even considering Andersson. He's just not a good player.

They seemed to react well to him when he was behind the bench with knoblauch last year for a few games.
None of the players/staff had any complaints leak/come out.
And at that time, no one knew he’d be the GM. We would have likely heard some rumblings or anything...
Guys aren’t going to bash their GM publicly. But and advisor??
Not even anything from a player that’s not with the rangers anymore.

 

[Rangers in 7]

This whole situation just down right sucks

Drury looks inept and like an idiot for how he’s handled this situation over the last year plus

kravtsov looks like a petulant child

both are downright dumb

the worst part is we currently have a gaping hole at RW where he should be playing

 

[kovazub94]

Most NHL players are.

You never noticed that when players are interviewed between periods they are often still breathing hard?

If it's not a conditioning issue, why do you believe Kravtsov was demoted? Is there a conspiracy afoot?

Remember low heart rate issue that became Kravtsov meme for awhile? Some joked about it (probably not so athletic among us) but in reality it’s impossible to play proper hockey without getting one’s heart rate up and trying to maintain it there as long as possible. Doing otherwise indicates a lack of effort. We’re not talking golf here.

 

[Mandar]

Didn’t like getting yelled at by mean ‘ol Drury, huh?

Imagine this mature young fella from Russia playing for Mike Keenan….lol. Or Torts….

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Get him back already!!! Gallant calling him up is huge, f*** Drury, love he overstepped him to reach out. Drury so far has been so underwhelming as GM. Kravstov will be a very good player in the NHL, and i hope it’s for us.

 

[jay from jersey]

Chris Drury was named General Manager of the Wolf Pack May 16, 2017. On this same date Chris Drury fired Ken Gernander as the coach of the Wolfpack. He had held this position since July 23, 2007. Drury also then served as Assistant General Manager of the parent New York Rangers, having been promoted to that post on September 2, 2016.

On June 12, 2017, Keith McCambridge was named as the new Wolf Pack head coach by Chris Drury.

On June 23, 2017, Lias Andersson was selected by the New York Rangers, seventh overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Andersson's father Niklas played 763 SHL games and 165 NHL games, and his uncle Mikael played 761 NHL games.

On June 22 of 2018, Vitali Kravtsov was drafted ninth overall by the New York Rangers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. When Kravtsov was drafted in 2018 - the Rangers let him play one full season in the KHL. Some believed that the Rangers erred in taking him ninth overall, but he opened some eyes with a dominant performance at the U20 Four Nations tournament in August 2018. There is a guy named Wahlstrom many were clamoring for.

Kravtsov’s play in the KHL that season and at the World Junior Championships however had many observers believing that he was a steal. He had two goals and six points in seven games for the bronze medalist Russian team. He was thereafter signed by the Rangers to a three-year, entry-level contract on May 3, 2019. With all of the surrounding hype, the expectation was that he would become a New York Ranger for the 2019-20 season. It’s obvious that Kravtsov also believed in the hype. He came to North America to train early on and he learned how to speak English. His social media accounts were filled with New York Ranger logos and the 19-year-old was ready for the big time.

On April 15, 2019 Chris Drury fired Keith McCambridge as the coach of the Hartford Wolfpack.

John Davidson was hired on May 17, 2019 as the NYR team President, replacing Glen Sather, to oversee the final stages of the rebuild that GM Jeff Gorton had largely executed.

On July 29, 2019 The New York Rangers via Chris Drury announced that the team has named Kris Knoblauch Head Coach of the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Knoblauch was the seventh head coach in Wolf Pack history.

Kravtsov probably thought he’d be handed a spot on the big club at the 2019 autumn training camp - but that didn’t happen - partially due to a numbers crunch. And, for the record, he wasn’t quite ready to play in North America - at least not in the NHL. He was assigned to Hartford. After recording only one assist in only five games for the Wolf Pack, Kravtsov then chose to use his European out Clause after not making the NHL team and having to play minor league hockey in North America.

This was a clause that was negotiated by him and Which the Rangers also had signed. However - he was called out by Management on choosing to do so. When Kravtsov goes to say his goodbyes to Wolfpack teammates and staff, Hartford GM Chris Drury explicitly told Kravtsov in public that he’d “quit” on the team. Ok. Tough Love. Kravtsov also then in evident fury deleted all his Rangers photos on his Instagram account. Something that got a lot of public attention and gave people a reason to be a bit concerned. At least about his immaturity.

On October 26, 2019 the infamous Russian heartbeat interview takes place… https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/kravtsov-unplugged-opens-up-in-interview-with-sport-express/ . This was When the estrangement really Began. Kravtsov had been cuddled by NYR Head European Scout Nick Bobrov. That much is for sure. And likely promised too many things. And he was very outspoken and non understanding about the Rangers taken position.

Kravtsov then opted to continue his development back in Russia, securing a loan for the remainder of the season with former club, Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, on 28 October 2019. Kravtsov appeared in 11 games in his return to Chelyabinsk (but was also demoted to a lower league the MHL aka “the moon”), recording 3 points, before his loan was ended prematurely by the Rangers (after GM Jeff Gorton personally intervened) and he was then re-assigned to re-join the Wolf Pack on 13 December 2019. He finished playing AHL again that year, in his D1 season, where he in 29 more games he scored six goals and had another 13 points.

On December 22nd, 2019 - the former 7th overall 1st round pick in the 2017 draft, Lias Andersson, was suspended for leaving the Hartford Wolf Pack after requesting to be traded. Chris Drury was GM with the Wolfpack at this time.

In March of 2020, the pandemic shut the NHL down, and also ended the AHL season. Coach Kris Knoblauch however publicly stated that Kravtsov did everything that was asked of him upon his return.

Kravtsov returned to U.S. that summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic when NHL hockey resumed, despite knowing he'd likely be left out of the playoff lineup in the Toronto bubble for three consecutive losses vs The Carolina Hurricanes August 1-5. . Kravtsov also missed his sister Anastasias wedding in Russia - rushing to North America 2 days earlier to participate in the training camp. Kravtsov, K-A Miller, Tim Gettinger and Brandon Crawley were all part of “the extended roster” not expected to play, and Miller did not travel with the team to Toronto.

So Kravtsov joined the Rangers in the Toronto bubble for the team’s brief 2020 playoff appearance and was there again, according to multiple sources, involved in an confrontational incident between himself and Chris Drury in which the young forward was ripped apart in practice for his lack of work ethic being dressed down by the then-assistant GM for “not working hard enough”. That happened on the ice - again in full view of teammates. David Quinn coached The New York Rangers at this time. Kravtsov also reportedly missed a team bus to the rink which further infuriated management..

On October 8th, 2020 Lias Andersson was traded to Los Angeles for a 2nd round pick (#60).

At the beginning of the 2021 season Rangers fans then experienced the entire ADA drama in a situation where he is kicked off the team by GMJG after a warning and thereafter engaging in a fight with teammate Alexander Georgiev after a loss on January 29th, 2021. But Kravtsov is then in Russia playing - after this was agreed by the NYR team - when he on 30 August 2020 signed a one-year extension with Traktor. He had a Pretty decent D2 season in the KHL with 16 goals, 24 points in 49 games and 2 goals and 4 points in 5 playoff games.

So he is thereafter brought over to play the last 20 games with the Rangers. Kravtsov made his NHL debut in the Rangers' 3–2 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on 3 April 2021. He scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils on 18 April 2021. Kravtsov does not put up that many points, but otoh gets mostly 3rd-4th line minutes stapled to offensively inept center Brett Howden - and Kevin Rooney - while the other two younger 1st rounders (Kakko + LAF) get higher line minutes.

The first line RW position is taken by Pavel Buchnevich. The second line RW spot is mostly taken by Colin Blackwell, a player The New York Rangers later neglected to protect in the 2021 Expansion draft (and is selected by Seattle). Kappo Kakko plays RW on the 3rd line, often together with Filip Chytil and LAF/Chris Kreider. Kravtsov, at this time and during this stint, definitely looked like the young NYR first rounder (compared to Kakko and LAF) that had come the furthest in their development. Although sometimes showing some defensive weaknesses and lack of upper body strength.

On February 5, 2021, Chris Drury was promoted to associate general manager of The New York Rangers.

During this time period, turbulence rears its head within the entire NYR organization. In a shocking turn of events, the New York Rangers owner James Dolan fired team president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton on May 5, 2021. The firings came one day after the Rangers released a statement related to the so-called “Tom Wilson incident”. In that statement, ownership of the Rangers wrote that they believe George Parros -- the NHL's Head of Safety -- is "unfit to continue in his current role." Management was not behind the formulation or delivery of the letter.

Chris Drury was also named the Rangers' President and General Manager on May 5, 2021, thereby becoming the 12th President and 12th General Manager in franchise history. Glen Sather then also got a new role as special advisor.

And on May 12, 2021 - David Quinn was fired by Chris Drury as the NYR head coach.

It has also been reported that Kravtsov shortly thereafter underwent a contentious exit interview with new GM Chris Drury at the end of the 2020/2021 season, the Rangers taking issue with his “offseason training methods”. More significantly, Kravtsov expressed his belief during that session that he belonged on one of the top two lines, rather than the frequent spot on the fourth line he occupied after his late-season callup. The discussion was so heated - that Kravtsov thought he was on the trading block.

So when Chris Drury replaced John Davidson and Jeff Gorton at the end of last season, Kravtsov was fairly certain he would be dealt. His name was certainly out there in the rumor mill prior to that anyway. Both in concrete discussions with Buffalo for Jack Eichel and in other more preliminary talks (Larkin/Detroit…) for a center. However, it didn’t come to pass. Pavel Buchnevich was however instead traded to St Louis for Sammy Blais and a 2nd round pick.

June 14, 2021 - Gerard Gallant is hired by Chris Drury as new Head Coach of the NYR organization.

Although he had only 20 games under his belt, Kravtsov was not invited to the Prospects Development Camp in September. Chris Drury said that he had more experience than the other prospects and he was invited to training camp with the veteran players. Drury said “We just felt like we wanted him with the NHL skaters… We were excited with big parts of his game last year.” That kind of message lead to the now 21-year old Kravtsov believing that he was a virtual lock to make the Rangers roster. However, Chris Drury is now on record as saying he was never a fan of the draft selection of in the first place, and there’s now an irreparable level of distrust from Kravtsov’s side.

The 6-foot-3 Russian began training camp on the third line with Barclay Goodrow and Filip Chytil in opener on September 26th. He even started on the top line LW for the Oct. 2 preseason game against the New Jersey Devils. But he suffered a lower-body (groin) injury early in that contest, which forced him to miss a few days of practice and the next two preseason games. Coach Gallant had also started trying to use Chris Kreider and LAF on the RW position on the 1st line (their usual position being LW).

On October 2, 2021 Coach Gallant reported on Kravtsovs injury status, “He’s just day-to-day, he’s not making the trip with us,” Gallant said after the morning skate. “I don’t think it’s anything major and we will see when we get back from our bonding trip.” The intent was to play Kravtsov both games, including the October 2 contest against Boston - but that changed.

Ryan Reaves, who was also injured (then feared more seriously) in the game against New Jersey by a slew foot from P.K. Subban - was however invited along for the team building activities which were taking place in Rhode Island. Reaves injury status was still on October 11th listed as day to day by The New York Post. This humiliating decision reportedly gave Kravtsov a clear indication of where the team had planned his future placement - regardless of his training camp performance.

Kravtsov returned for the preseason finale against the Islanders, where he scored a highlight first-period goal, but it wasn't enough to convince the Rangers to keep him on the opening night roster. Because the New York Rangers had then decided that Dryden Hunt, Julien Gauthier and Libor Hajek (as an 8th defenseman) we’re better fits to take roster spots than the 21 year-old Kravtsov.

Of course, this was not Gallant’s decision alone. President and GM Chris Drury was also involved - if not directly responsible - in making the decision. In fact, in a tweet by beat writer Vince Z. Mercogliano on October 11, he states “NYR have to make two more cuts by 5 pm today. I asked Coach Gallant who that will be: “You’re talking to the wrong guy," he said with a smile. Will waivers be a factor? ‘You’re talking to the wrong guy," he repeated. So Drury picks the roster; Gallant picks the captains…

A bit later, Coach Gallant suddenly had a bit of a different explanation to the roster choices made on Opening Night and instead said it was performance based.. ‘There was no reason why, it was about picking your team that you’re moving forward with, trying to win hockey games,” Gallant explained about Kravtsov’s demotion. “We said there was battles for those spots all training camp long and the other guys played well… [Gauthier and Hunt and those guys]. Some of the guys stayed up and they earned this position.”

He spoke specifically about Kravtsov. “We like Kravy, he’s a good hockey player, a good talented player, hopefully he goes down to Hartford and plays really well. He’s a talented, skilled hockey player. He missed some time with the injury. I like his last game, he played better in his last game…things change in the NHL, we’ll see where it goes.”

The question many now ask is why was he demoted? The obvious reason is being that he was waivers-exempt along with Morgan Barron and the team felt that they could lose players who had to be waived. In other words, it was strictly a waivers-driven decision. But no one will dare say that. Was he beaten out of a roster spot? Maybe. Maybe not… Was this a personally biased based decision made solely by upper Management? Very possibly, yes…

Kravtsov appeared to be in line for an NHL role this season, arriving in the New York area more than a month before training camp to workout and prepare. He spoke during camp about doing a better job of dealing with the ups and downs of professional hockey, yet he clearly did not accept the demotion. Kravtsov also then notified the team he would not report to the Wolf Pack upon hearing the news of his demotion. The Rangers then granted him and his agent permission to seek out such a trade. His new Agent - Dan Milstein (firing Sathers buddy Paul Theofanus in the process) - also stated he’s OK with playing in the AHL this season — just somewhere else outside The NYR organization.

The situation is now eerily similar to that of Lias Andersson. Both were “off the board picks”, each having been drafted on the recommendation of then-director of player personnel Gordie Clark. Clark is now a pro scout and former director of European scouting Nick Bobrov was dismissed over the summer of 2021. It has also been reported by The New York Post that “at least one teammate advised Kravtsov that ice time must be earned in the NHL and is not bequeathed on draft position alone.” Maybe they were both entitled little brats? Maybe they had legitimate gripes?

According to a couple of sources, Rangers’ coach Gerard Gallant personally called Vitali Kravtsov on October 18th to ask the forward to consider returning to back The Rangers. Kravtsov is now back in Russia, but several teams say they’ve been told he wants to play in the NHL this season, not stay overseas. He reportedly went home to Russia to find a comfortable spot to skate and be ready. Getting him to come back to New York will apparently take some serious convincing, as it’s not his preference. He reportedly replied to Gallant he’d “like a fresh start”.

Here we are… Whiny brats and not so smart Management.

it’s a very good timeline BBK but I’ll add 1 caveat. if you remember on his first demotion to the A, krav or his agent said we’ll feel Vitali is basically to good for the AHL. If he’s not on the rangers roster, we feel going back to Russia is the best move at this time to play against harder competition.
Not word for word but something of that ilk.
This kid thought the AHL was beneath him since first coming over here. And it’s a huge part of his problem.
I know he’s saying he’ll play for any other AHL team now, well a lot of that is fanfare. He’s saying that because he has to.
The only reason he came back is because when he went back to Russia, he’s play was lackluster and he was demoted.
If that didn’t happen, it’s a 50/50 shot he even comes back at that point imo.
The biggest thing is the Buch trade. When he saw Buch traded, he thought he had it made in the shade and he was def getting a top 9 spot.
Not wanting to go down to the A for an unknown period of time is a huge part of this public trade request.
He thought he was too good for the A then, and he still thinks he’s above it now.
But he obviously thinks he played well enough for a roster spot. But Barron and Jones have the same gripes. You don’t see them freaking out like this.
I get the kid wants to play in the NHL, and he’s probably good enough to right now, he just wants nothing to do with the process of making it there. He feels that since he was a top 10 pick and had a hot 7 game tournament and a solid season in Russia, it makes him exempt.
He just thinks he’s better then he really currently is. You watch, when he gets traded, if he has to spend more then 2 months in the A, we’re going to hear kravy heading back to Russia..... for a 3rd time.

 

[Tawnos]

I don't buy that story about Gallant reaching out to Kravs . IMO it would undermine any Drury GM decision and only create another problem . That might work at the amateur levels but definitely not the way an NHL team would function....even the Rangers !!! Unless they specifically reveal the source of that tidbit of info on the ph call....I call BS . If nothing else....the phone call would come from Drury before Gallant .

I don't think that Gallant reaches out to Kravtsov without Drury's consultation and go-ahead. And it's a smart move to try to utilize someone who doesn't have the acrimonious history with the player.

 

[nyr2k2]

I don't think that Gallant reaches out to Kravtsov without Drury's consultation and go-ahead. And it's a smart move to try to utilize someone who doesn't have the acrimonious history with the player.

Yeah, I mean, it doesn't help the Rangers organization to have Kravtsov doing what he's doing. If you thought having Gallant reach out could help resolve the situation, why would you not do that as Drury?

 

[bobbop]

You think he is unhappy now?

Wait until he sits out the whole year sulking and the Rangers toll his contract.