Player Discussion Vitali Kravtsov - Signed 2-Year Deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk

[theguardianII]

Trade bait!

Isn't it obvious the front office is panicking?
Allvin screwed the pooch with his evaluation of the team and doubled down on a criminally bad plan, no plan plan.

For some still listening to the playoffs there are some interesting observations to do with teams competing to draw fans and TRY for a playoff spot and those that were built for the playoffs.

The Vancouver defence is still too small. The easy season between October and May is all about earning money from fans.

Vancouver fans, some of them, actually still believe that the last two year of games show a huge improvement even though the standings show a worse result.
"But, but, but Demko was hurt" And no other team had an injured goalie? Vegas has used ? 5?.
"But, but, but" look how good the team did with the new coach!!!! Hmm, was that this year or last? Wait! It was both!

And then the cap and fans understanding.

"Just buyout OEL!" And how does that help? One more defence positing needing to be filled. With another team's cast off or another pigmy. AND then what about the 8 years of cap hits that go along with the buyout?

It is the cap that is the biggest issue and Kravstov is just trade bait to try to barely make the cap. OEL is now healthy so add 7.2 mil to the cap hit

 

[Hoglander]

Trade bait!

Isn't it obvious the front office is panicking?
Allvin screwed the pooch with his evaluation of the team and doubled down on a criminally bad plan, no plan plan.

For some still listening to the playoffs there are some interesting observations to do with teams competing to draw fans and TRY for a playoff spot and those that were built for the playoffs.

The Vancouver defence is still too small. The easy season between October and May is all about earning money from fans.

Vancouver fans, some of them, actually still believe that the last two year of games show a huge improvement even though the standings show a worse result.
"But, but, but Demko was hurt" And no other team had an injured goalie? Vegas has used ? 5?.
"But, but, but" look how good the team did with the new coach!!!! Hmm, was that this year or last? Wait! It was both!

And then the cap and fans understanding.

"Just buyout OEL!" And how does that help? One more defence positing needing to be filled. With another team's cast off or another pigmy. AND then what about the 8 years of cap hits that go along with the buyout?

It is the cap that is the biggest issue and Kravstov is just trade bait to try to barely make the cap. OEL is now healthy so add 7.2 mil to the cap hit

So they acquired Kravtsov for next to nothing, but now he's trade bait because...

-the front office is panicking
-something about teams competing to draw fans and TRY for a playoff spot
-the defence is still too small
-but Demko
-but new coach
-something about buying out OEL, and now add his caphit because he's healthy

A little early to be hittin' the sauce, buddy, hahaha.

 

[theguardianII]

So they acquired Kravtsov for next to nothing, but now he's trade bait because...

-the front office is panicking
-something about teams competing to draw fans and TRY for a playoff spot
-the defence is still too small
-but Demko
-but new coach
-something about buying out OEL, and now add his caphit because he's healthy

A little early to be hittin' the sauce, buddy, hahaha.

Maybe but the draft is coming soon and trades can be made now as well as announcements/leaks of contract extensions even if not signed until July 1. (Pettersson)

It would be nice if there was competition but for 8 years now the competition has been for 20th in the league.
Isn't it funny that when a US team starts losing it's fans they can suddenly turn it around and make a number of trades even when capped out but in Vancouver being capped out means no playoff, no significant trades and trading away the most valuable asset, draft picks, for player's other teams are moving on from? Hronek may work out, he should certainly be an upgrade but that isn't saying a lot on this team.

OEL's health as well as Pearson's and Stillman could be a death nail at the draft because teams will know that the Canucks MUST create cap space. They are already over the cap maximum and have to sign

Buying out OEL's contract is insane no matter what time of year :$

TRADE MILLER because the other JT is 32 yrs old and this ;

John Tavares: I have a ton of respect for the consummate pro that Tavares is. He’s a low-maintenance leader who gives all he has. This contract isn’t aging well. I see Tavares on the wing next season, but still taking key face-offs in all three zones when required. He still produces offensively and he’s extremely skilled between the hash marks/outside the crease in the offensive zone. His pace is a massive concern, however, thus the need to move to the wing. He also has a full no-move clause in his deal, so realistically Tavares is here to stay. But, he falls into the “trade/entertain offers” category because I would absolutely listen to an offer to take this contract off my hands.

If adding Krastov to a Miller is needed, do it

 

[Hoglander]

Maybe but the draft is coming soon and trades can be made now as well as announcements/leaks of contract extensions even if not signed until July 1. (Pettersson)

It would be nice if there was competition but for 8 years now the competition has been for 20th in the league.
Isn't it funny that when a US team starts losing it's fans they can suddenly turn it around and make a number of trades even when capped out but in Vancouver being capped out means no playoff, no significant trades and trading away the most valuable asset, draft picks, for player's other teams are moving on from? Hronek may work out, he should certainly be an upgrade but that isn't saying a lot on this team.

OEL's health as well as Pearson's and Stillman could be a death nail at the draft because teams will know that the Canucks MUST create cap space. They are already over the cap maximum and have to sign

Buying out OEL's contract is insane no matter what time of year :$

TRADE MILLER because the other JT is 32 yrs old and this ;

John Tavares: I have a ton of respect for the consummate pro that Tavares is. He’s a low-maintenance leader who gives all he has. This contract isn’t aging well. I see Tavares on the wing next season, but still taking key face-offs in all three zones when required. He still produces offensively and he’s extremely skilled between the hash marks/outside the crease in the offensive zone. His pace is a massive concern, however, thus the need to move to the wing. He also has a full no-move clause in his deal, so realistically Tavares is here to stay. But, he falls into the “trade/entertain offers” category because I would absolutely listen to an offer to take this contract off my hands.

If adding Krastov to a Miller is needed, do it

But what value does Kravtsov have that is enticing to other teams? We just got him for peanuts, and it seems that a fair number of Canucks posters don't even want to re-sign him to a league minimum (even though I disagree with that).

I think moving Miller for Tavarez would be awful. Toronto fans don't even want him at center anymore, so there's another winger at 10 mil per, and our team gets softer.

I think people are out of their minds in thinking that JT has some albatross contract. It most likely won't be good towards the end, but it is really good right now, and he would absolutely get that in free agency. The thought of adding to Miller, just to "get out of his contract", I mean the recent rumor was Miller to Pittsburgh for 2 firsts or something, no?

 

[theguardianII]

But what value does Kravtsov have that is enticing to other teams? We just got him for peanuts, and it seems that a fair number of Canucks posters don't even want to re-sign him to a league minimum (even though I disagree with that).

I think moving Miller for Tavarez would be awful. Toronto fans don't even want him at center anymore, so there's another winger at 10 mil per, and our team gets softer.

I think people are out of their minds in thinking that JT has some albatross contract. It most likely won't be good towards the end, but it is really good right now, and he would absolutely get that in free agency. The thought of adding to Miller, just to "get out of his contract", I mean the recent rumor was Miller to Pittsburgh for 2 firsts or something, no?

Kravstov still carries the draft position and with it "potential". On a more established team like Washington he would be getting top six ice time with established vets on just about any line he played on there. The same with Pittsburgh most likely. On some teams he would just be another trade asset at a different time. For the Canucks they almost have to re-sign him because of the team's cap problems and hope.

On Miller, it is the last 3 or 4 years of his play versus where the team SHOULD be by then.
If he would have got that in FA then the Canucks should have cashed in but unfortunately due to the cap problems they will lose at least one or two trades until they have cap space.

A lesson taught by Benning is as long as the team is capped out there can be no plans going forward, "we don't know what will happen tomorrow' was more to do with the team's inability to get under the cap and not having cap space.
Example, if the team had lots of cap space don't you think offering Pietrangelo 9+ mil a year would have been better for the Canucks than trading for a 5 million dollar player a team was letting go for a 3rd round pick? AND then offering Hamilton 9.5 mil to 10 mil instead of trading a 1rst #9 pick, 2022 2nd and 2023 7th with 3 expiring contracts for an older declining LD at 7.25 mil with 7 years left on his contract and signing rights only? The deal might not have been so bad but Benning paid way too much for Garland, Garland only needed a qualifying offer not 5 mil, he was an RFA and not THAT good.

While IF they had got both of them the team would have been much different because at the time they still had Pettersson and Hughes under entry level contracts and Miller at 5 mil with Horvat at 5 mil. Yes there would have been cap issues but look at the team then. Wide open for trading improved assets or most probably winning players.

Instead two aging high paid defense men and no depth, fewer draft picks, higher paid older players and over the cap struggling to even finish 20th in the league in a year of so many teams tanking.

I don't think JT's contract is an albatross now but I know it will be in 3 years guaranteed, even Rutherford knew that before Allvin took over running the team.

When looking at the team enjoy what is here NOW but also look at what will be in two or three years, that is called "planning"

 

[Pastor Of Muppetz]

Kravstov still carries the draft position and with it "potential". On a more established team like Washington he would be getting top six ice time with established vets on just about any line he played on there. The same with Pittsburgh most likely. On some teams he would just be another trade asset at a different time. For the Canucks they almost have to re-sign him because of the team's cap problems and hope.

On Miller, it is the last 3 or 4 years of his play versus where the team SHOULD be by then.
If he would have got that in FA then the Canucks should have cashed in but unfortunately due to the cap problems they will lose at least one or two trades until they have cap space.

A lesson taught by Benning is as long as the team is capped out there can be no plans going forward, "we don't know what will happen tomorrow' was more to do with the team's inability to get under the cap and not having cap space.
Example, if the team had lots of cap space don't you think offering Pietrangelo 9+ mil a year would have been better for the Canucks than trading for a 5 million dollar player a team was letting go for a 3rd round pick? AND then offering Hamilton 9.5 mil to 10 mil instead of trading a 1rst #9 pick, 2022 2nd and 2023 7th with 3 expiring contracts for an older declining LD at 7.25 mil with 7 years left on his contract and signing rights only? The deal might not have been so bad but Benning paid way too much for Garland, Garland only needed a qualifying offer not 5 mil, he was an RFA and not THAT good.

While IF they had got both of them the team would have been much different because at the time they still had Pettersson and Hughes under entry level contracts and Miller at 5 mil with Horvat at 5 mil. Yes there would have been cap issues but look at the team then. Wide open for trading improved assets or most probably winning players.

Instead two aging high paid defense men and no depth, fewer draft picks, higher paid older players and over the cap struggling to even finish 20th in the league in a year of so many teams tanking.

I don't think JT's contract is an albatross now but I know it will be in 3 years guaranteed, even Rutherford knew that before Allvin took over running the team.

When looking at the team enjoy what is here NOW but also look at what will be in two or three years, that is called "planning"

Kravtsov would not be gifted top 6 minutes on any team, let alone established ones...This would be giving any NHL coach, and the team a big disservice.

You obviously haven't been watching him play... He lacks battle, and he's not in shape (the two go hand in hand), and he's not producing..Tocchet had him up on EP's line for a game or two, and he squandered it..He's closer to not being in the league at all, than being in any top 6.

Fortunately, he's still young enough, and his issues aren't unfixable..We'll see where he takes us at training camp/pre season...There is hope.

 

[theguardianII]

Fortunately, he's still young enough, and his issues aren't unfixable..We'll see where he takes us at training camp/pre season...There is hope.

And that is his value.
If he was a later pick he would be gone probably but 1rst rounders get lots of chances.
Other teams might give him top time with veterans and reduce his need to drive a line.
Not all players have meshed with EP either, some for a short time and then ....

Tocchet I think is going to be a problem with this group. He wants bangers and board guys. Benning and then Allvin have gone more for puck possession and skill. And there is the chatter/whispers about him, OEL and Kuz not seeing eye to eye.

But it is the same for Krav and Tocchet, he just doesn't give much time if you don't play HIS way so somewhere else? Ya, that is when the hope has value.

 

[Pastor Of Muppetz]

And that is his value.
If he was a later pick he would be gone probably but 1rst rounders get lots of chances.
Other teams might give him top time with veterans and reduce his need to drive a line.
Not all players have meshed with EP either, some for a short time and then ....

Tocchet I think is going to be a problem with this group. He wants bangers and board guys. Benning and then Allvin have gone more for puck possession and skill. And there is the chatter/whispers about him, OEL and Kuz not seeing eye to eye.

But it is the same for Krav and Tocchet, he just doesn't give much time if you don't play HIS way so somewhere else? Ya, that is when the hope has value.

I disagree..Tocchet gave him plenty of ice time to demonstate what he could do..Kravstsov didnt drive any line last season.

Tocchet just wants guys to be responsible..When he joined the team, there was zero accountability for players finishing their checks..a lot of players were cheating..You do that, you get to watch on the bench.

 

[theguardianII]

I disagree..Tocchet gave him plenty of ice time to demonstate what he could do..Kravstsov didnt drive any line last season.

Tocchet just wants guys to be responsible..When he joined the team, there was zero accountability for players finishing their checks..a lot of players were cheating..You do that, you get to watch on the bench.

I am not too sure about that he was benched in some games and at the end of the season when they had been eliminated he was often in the bottom three in ice time while luminaries like veteran AHLer Dries were given twice as much ice time.
Now don't get me wrong here Dries didn't look bad but why were all the rookies, the one's needing experience and coaching benched? Pod and Aman were the same?
Was this just to "look good" so the top players were playing over 20 minutes a night? Just for marketing next year?

You know I remember when coaching was teaching not punishing. Even at the NHL level. All Tocchet seems to be doing is punishing if you don't play his way and i guess that explains Kuzmenko's situation. I guess that is why some coaches win games and some just rotate around team to team never winning in the playoffs. Hiring friends hasn't worked.

But hey, what the heck, just bench every rookie, that is what Tocchet did

 

[VanJack]

Kravstov played together with Podkolzin for the Russian World Jr. team.....maybe some of Vasily's work-rate and determination will rub off on him.

I don't know whether Kravstov lacks motivation, confidence or both. But sometimes it just takes Russian players a longer time to find their footing in the NHL, and often it doesn't happen for the team that drafted them.

If you're the Canucks--that's all you can hope for.

 

[Nuckster]

I think we see a different Krav this coming season. It's clear his development was poorly managed in NY, you can see the same issues with Lafrenierre and Kappo, rushed and while they are starting to show their talent its taken some time, Krav clearly didn't get the same rope and hasn't played alot of quality hockey,

He knows what the expectations are, he has size, talent, speed. Sometimes players take time and they way I look at Krav, the end of the season with us was like a rookie season for him.

He needs to come back in good shape, want to compete, and if he does he'll be give room to play and contribute. Having Podz, Kuz, Mikhayev, Gonchar around can only help. Don't forget he's played with Podz before. Podz will help him learn what he needs to do.

If Jake Virtanen can score 18 goals and 36 pts in the NHL with no brains and just speed, and no drive, I am sure Krav can be a better player. His issues aren't skill, or desire, or hockey sense, its about finding the right fit.

 

[rypper]

I imagine that Kravtsov has next to zero value in trade. It's probably a toss up whether or not Vancouver actually qualifies him.

 

[Josepho]

he got traded for a f***ing 2026 7th of course he doesnt have value

 

[arttk]

I imagine that Kravtsov has next to zero value in trade. It's probably a toss up whether or not Vancouver actually qualifies him.

I think he would bolt back to Russia if he doesn’t make the team so really no harm to qualify him.

If he doesn’t make it and is actually willing to go down to the A, it will be interesting to see if any other team will pick him up. It seems like his desire to come here was one of the reason why nobody else went for him so maybe we could send him to the A because if anybody else claims he, he might just bolt.

 

[me2]

If adding Krastov to a Miller is needed, do it

Adding Kravtsov is the equivalent of adding "future considerations".

 

[smoneil]

I think we see a different Krav this coming season. It's clear his development was poorly managed in NY, you can see the same issues with Lafrenierre and Kappo, rushed and while they are starting to show their talent its taken some time, Krav clearly didn't get the same rope and hasn't played alot of quality hockey,

He knows what the expectations are, he has size, talent, speed. Sometimes players take time and they way I look at Krav, the end of the season with us was like a rookie season for him.

He needs to come back in good shape, want to compete, and if he does he'll be give room to play and contribute. Having Podz, Kuz, Mikhayev, Gonchar around can only help. Don't forget he's played with Podz before. Podz will help him learn what he needs to do.

If Jake Virtanen can score 18 goals and 36 pts in the NHL with no brains and just speed, and no drive, I am sure Krav can be a better player. His issues aren't skill, or desire, or hockey sense, its about finding the right fit.

Re: the bolded, that isn't entirely true. Laf, Kappo, and Chytil were all mismanaged the way you said (rushed, buried in the bottom six, not getting reps), but all three have still managed to show far more than Kravtsov. Chytil scored 20 points in the first 60 games of his first full season (as an 18 year old). Kakko is more than a year younger than Krav, and put up .5ppg this season. Laf is nearly two years younger than Kravtsov, and also put up about .5ppg this season. He's also scored 44 even strength goals over the last three seasons. Kravtsov will turn 24 next season and has 12 career points (9 at even strength) in 64 games.

Kravtsov wasn't rushed in. He played (either by mutual choice or because he pitched a fit) three full seasons in the KHL before coming over, getting 15-17 minutes per game. He didn't develop with those minutes because (as has been his issue since day one) he refused to put in the work.

The non-bolded part of your post could have been cut and pasted from dozens of NYR fans over the last several off-seasons. With his size, skating, and skill set, we all expected it to just click one of these seasons. It never did. He always came back with the same issues which could be tracked back to the same laziness and attitude problems.

I wish him the best, and hope for your sake that he DOES click (who knows, maybe getting the same ice under a different NHL franchise was the wake up call he needed), but I wouldn't hold my breath on it if I were you. He's worth re-signing at league minimum on a gamble, but there's no way you pencil him into the everyday lineup based on his resume to date.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

According to Championat.com he's going to sign a 2 year contract with Traktor, KHL.

 

[Hansen]

According to Championat.com he's going to sign a 2 year contract with Traktor, KHL.

If he bolts its just meh all over

I still think they should have given him 5-6 games next to Petey and Kuz down the skid mark stretch. But Tocchet was also pretty deadset on treating Kuz like a shit stain too so not even Kuz got to play good minutes in garbage time

 

[Izzy Goodenough]

 

[Vector]

Good by Kravtsov. Hope you can find your game overseas.

 

[RobertKron]

Aw man, they're going to qualify him and then we're going to hear every six months about how maybe he's coming back to solve everyone's problems next year like Tryamkin or Koltsov until like 2027 when they finally lose his rights, aren't they?

 

[wonton15]

He had negative confidence and played with zero urgency. It was like watching him play in preseason games but he was fighting for his NHL career. Not a good showing but nothing lost. There was zero chance he was making it next year over Podkolzin/Hoglander/PDG and he knew it.

 

[Luck 6]

Probably for the best. Let him marinate over in the KHL. If he does anything good, we can bring him back for a final look then.

 

[Pastor Of Muppetz]

We’ve seen and heard this song and dance before with Tryamkin..The player in question says all of the right things about wanting an NHL career,and then signs a deal in the Motherland.

At the end of the day..neither player demonstrated the commitment to being an NHL player.

I thought that Kravtsov would at least make a go of it here ..Oh well..nothing gained nothing lost.

 

[EdJovanovski]

Trust the plan