New Canucks Signing Stealing a Key Spot in the Vancouver Lineup? Evidence Says Yes
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An insider has given his take as to where forward Vitali Kravtsov could slot in on the Vancouver Canucks' lineup to start the 2025-26 season, which begins on October 9th.
The Vancouver Canucks made the surprising decision to bring Vitali Kravtsov back to North America last week, signing him to a one-year contract at the league minimum of $775,000 USD.
General Manager Patrik Allvin was quite happy that Kravtsov decided to sign with them this summer after two seasons in the KHL, adding that he's looking forward to seeing what he's able to do at training camp next month.
"Vitali had a strong season in the KHL and was an impact player for his team. In his two seasons in Russia, he has worked hard on his game, and we look forward to seeing where Vitali is at when he comes to training camp in Penticton." Allvin said.
Insider shares where Vitali Kravtsov could slot in for Vancouver Canucks to start the season
With a little over a month until training camp opens, it's still unclear where Vitali Kravtsov could play in the Vancouver Canucks' lineup as he has the skill to be in the National Hockey League, but could very well start the year in Abbotsford, although he'd need waivers to be sent to the AHL.
On Monday's edition of Reach Deep, Dan Riccio and Randip Janda took a look at where Vancouver Canucks fans could see Vitali Kravtsov slot in when the team opens the 2025-26 season on October 9th against the Calgary Flames.
Janda isn't sure if Kravtsov has a shot at making the Canucks' roster out of training camp, going as far as calling him a "longshot" as the team needs to see how he's developed overseas before making any kind of decision on where he plays to start the year.
"Without any sort of injury or anything that happens, there's one left winger spot essentially up for grabs on this team. Those players you mentioned are going to be jockeying for position. Big camps for everybody involved. And you didn't even mentioned Ilya Safonov is part of that group. I don't know if he's got a realistic shot at that, I think that's more of an AHL signing. But he is in that wheelhouse of a mid-20s player. He's in the mix. If Vitali Kravtsov is in the mix, Safonov might be in that as well. It's a similar discussion.
But you're right, it's a longshot for Kravtsov, but what can you achieve by being part of that group? You have to show: A) that there's been development. in that press release that Patrik Allvin was mentioned in by the Canucks about announcing that signing, it was 'we want to see where he's at.' It's going to be huge for this player. Okay, sixth in KHL scoring, what does that mean? Because Josh Leivo was number one, he broke records this year. Nikolay Goldobin was 15th. What does that mean? We know the KHL is not exactly known for its rugged play, not known for their defensive acumen. Last time I saw Vitali Kravtsov play in the NHL, he was a perimeter player, he didn't get anywhere near the inside. Has that changed?" Janda said.
But you're right, it's a longshot for Kravtsov, but what can you achieve by being part of that group? You have to show: A) that there's been development. in that press release that Patrik Allvin was mentioned in by the Canucks about announcing that signing, it was 'we want to see where he's at.' It's going to be huge for this player. Okay, sixth in KHL scoring, what does that mean? Because Josh Leivo was number one, he broke records this year. Nikolay Goldobin was 15th. What does that mean? We know the KHL is not exactly known for its rugged play, not known for their defensive acumen. Last time I saw Vitali Kravtsov play in the NHL, he was a perimeter player, he didn't get anywhere near the inside. Has that changed?" Janda said.
If the Vancouver Canucks don't like what they see from Kravtsov in camp, there's no doubt he'll end up on the NHL's waiver wire in early October and hopefully if he clears, plays a big role in Abbotsford and puts himself in a position to be called up at some point throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
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