I agree, if the organization did not see Kravtsov as part of the future - TRADE HIM. What was the expectation? He is a top-6 player, not a grinder. There is no room for him on the roster. The kid is not going to be on standby in Hartford to be your utility player. Would it be a better option for him to do it and get traded? Yes. But that was simply not happening. The Rangers need to understand one thing - don't expect the players to think about the organizations best interest first. It's a business. Be smarter.
They could have. And I’m sure there would have been Interest in the summer. More then now anyway.
But I think Drury/Gallant were hedging their bets. I don’t think they were 100% willing to trade him. They would have for the right deal, but they would have rather kept him and had him round out his game more in Hartford similar to what Barron was doing.
I don’t think either of they figured he would be there all year. Maybe a half year at the most and also have in a pinch in case of injury/trade.
It’s kind of a perfect storm type deal. I’m sure Once Kravy saw Buch traded, he thought he was a lock for a top 9 RW position. When Gallant/Drury told him they wanted their bottom 6 configured a certain way, and wanted him to go to Hartford without any assurances on when he’d be back, he flipped out.
This is a kid who didn’t really want to go to Hartford in the first place. He’s thought he’s too good for the A for a while now.
Whether he’s right or wrong has nothing to do with it. That’s the way his bosses wanted it.
Kravy and his agent probably also saw the path for a steady NHL job would be easier elsewhere. Hence the trade request.
I called this coming a mile away. But I was even shocked he wouldn’t report for at least a month.
I figured he’d go down, bust his butt for a little, play well, and if things were still very crowded up here, or NYR was playing better with Gallants structured line up with a more heavy 3rd/4th line, he would then request a trade.
The kid wants a steady nhl job with playing time. For all of those who are speculating that if they kept him instead of Gauthier/Hunt on the roster, riddle me this.
Do you think if Krav was the guy up on the big club, and NYR had no injuries and he was the one being constantly scratched, do you really think that would be ok with him?? Do you think he wouldn’t get pissed and request a trade???
For all those who think he’d be ok with that, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.
They obviously wanted him playing top minutes in Hartford because they viewed him as a long term part of the solution. The didn’t want to have him maybe playing 2 games here and there like Gauthier will in the extra Fwd slot.
Kravtsov only has himself to blame for overreacting and wanting to take the path of least resistance to a permanent NHL job. He’s more interested in that, then being a ranger.
I don’t feel bad for him at all at this point. Don’t let the door hit ya in the ass on the way out. I just hope whatever pick/player/prospect we get back works hard, what’s to be here, and adds value to the rangers going fwd.
I’m not really as heart broken as many here. He has a nice size/skill package, but even if he hits his ceiling I see maybe a 60-70 pt wing. Not exactly the hardest piece to find/trade for. Some on here talk about him like he has Bure/Ovechkin/kovalev talent, and that’s just not the case. Not even close.
And to say losing him and say getting back a 2nd Rounder wrecks the farm system/rebuild is pretty hilarious.
