This kid came out of nowhere earlier in the season. He just flipped a switch and has been progressing. I think he's a more all-round player than a guy like Wahlstrom. Kravtsov has that X-factor skill to him. His performance with Chelyabinsk has been nothing short of phenomenal for his age. When you look at him on the ice, he is just controlling the play, against grown men, some former NHL players.
The KHL is the 2nd best league in the world and there's no debate. It's not a development league as some here have said before. For a 17-year old to even get regular minutes is good but Kravtsov did something with those minutes. He was rookie of the year in the KHL, beating Eeli Tolvanen for that award, broke the record for goals by a pre-drafted teenager (previously held by Kuznetsov set when he was 2 years older than Kravtsov is now) and was regarded a top 5 pick on several scouting lists of the teams. It's a question of what you like. A pure sniper like Wahlstrom, or a more well-rounded player like Kravtsov.
Kravtsov has a lot of similarities with Kucherov in the way he plays. He makes things happen out of nothing. He creates so much. I think if there is an aspect where he could improve, it's his shot but with the way he plays, he often puts himself in a position where his skill provides him with high-danger scoring chances. I absolutely love this pick. I still can't believe I actually Whoo'd when I heard Gordie say "From Traktor Chelyabinsk". I was celebrating before his name was even called and I have people look at me like I was crazy. I may have been the only Rangers fan in that building happy with the pick. A lot of people were dead-set on Wahlstrom (and with good reason, if I might add).
I feel Kravtsov is the type of player you need to build around. He is a guy who tilts the ice in your favor whenever he comes off the bench. I hope he stays in Russia for another year and then comes over to try his luck in the NHL. I can see a similar path to Tolvanen for Kravtsov.
