Respected Voice Gives Hot Take on the Vancouver Canucks' Surprise Decision to Sign Former Forward
Photo credit: Sportsnet
An NHL insider recently gave his take on the Vancouver Canucks' surprising decision to sign Russian forward Vitali Kravtsov after spending two seasons in the KHL.
In a bit of a shocking move earlier this month, the Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of forward Vitali Kravtsov to a one-year, two-way contract worth the league minimum of $775,000 USD.
Kravtsov, who was issued a qualifying offer by the club in the summer of 2023 in order to retain his rights, had plenty of success last year in the KHL, which was a big reason why Patrik Allvin decided to bring him back to Vancouver.
"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.
NHL insider gives his take on Vancouver Canucks' surprise decision to sign Vitali Kravtsov
Earlier this summer, it was unclear what Vitali Kravtsov was going to do for the 2025-26 season, as he easily could've re-signed with Traktor Chelyabinsk or another KHL club.
However it was clear as the summer rolled on that he wanted another shot at the National Hockey League, to prove to everyone that he has what it takes to play in the greatest league in the world.
During a recent appearance on Sekeres and Price, NHL insider Jeff Marek gave his take on the Vancouver Canucks bringing Vitali Kravtsov back to North America.
"To me it's a smart gamble by the Vancouver Canucks. That's a high AHL salary too, but I understand why. I know it didn't work out the first time. I always wonder for players when that light goes off, you know, there's the old saying in life, we're all born with two lives and our second life begins when we realize we only have one. I always wonder about athletes too when you realize you're second sports life begins when you realize you only have one and you may have squandered it. Like what happens, what changes within you. We've seen it happen before, I know it's rare, but to me this is a very low risk gamble by the Vancouver Canucks and if it hits, fantastic. To me it's a really smart move." Marek said.
With training camp set to begin in one month, Vitali Kravtsov will have a lot to prove to the Vancouver Canucks and if he ends up performing well during preseason games, because he will be given ample opportunity to do so, there's a chance he could end up making the team's opening night roster in October.
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