Fantasy Take: Canucks Acquire Kravtsov From Rangers
Ian Gooding
2023-02-25
The Vancouver Canucks have acquired forward Vitali Kravtsov from the New York Rangers for forward Will Lockwood and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Kravtsov was the ninth-overall pick in the 2018 draft, so he arrives on the Canucks with some pedigree. Whether it's because of lack of opportunity or unhappiness about his situation with the Rangers, success hasn't translated to the NHL level, as he has played only 48 games with the Rangers over two seasons split by a stint in the KHL.
The Rangers are a deep team that didn't seem to have much room for Kravtsov, but it won't be much easier for him in Vancouver. The Canucks are weak defensively, but they are also well-stocked at forward (potential Brock Boeser and Conor Garland trades notwithstanding). Considered a perimeter player, Kravtsov will need to make it work on the top 6 by the end of the season or he could find himself in a similar scenario that he was in with the Rangers. He was reluctant to go to the AHL with the Rangers, so this could quickly go sideways if the Canucks decide it would be better for him to get some reps in the AHL in nearby Abbotsford, even for a short time. If it doesn't work out, Kravtsov's next destination could be the KHL. The potential KHL threat seemed to scare off teams from inquiring about him.
Currently, this amounts to a high-upside player getting a fresh start with a new team. No veteran Canucks forwards jump out as potentially losing value, as Kravtsov appears to be a wild card at this point. In terms of prospects, maybe Nils Hoglander, who is stuck in the AHL and could be there a while longer with Kravtsov getting a look in Vancouver. Even with season-ending injuries to the likes of Tanner Pearson and Ilya Mikheyev, the Canucks have a glut of wingers on their roster. It’s possible that Vasily Podkolzin is returned to the AHL if he continues to struggle at the NHL level (0 PTS in last 8 GP), as could the recently recalled Aatu Raty (0 PTS in 2 GP as a Canuck).
The Canucks may not be done making moves before the deadline, let alone the offseason, as we don't have a clear picture of what they might be up to. As far as the Rangers go, this could be a necessary smaller deal to clear room for one Patrick Kane. Lockwood provides some physicality, but he profiles as a potential bottom-6 forward.
Players this helps, in order:
Kravtsov
Players this hurts, in order:
Hoglander
Podkolzin
Give your take on this trade in this thread on the Forum.
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