Vancouver Canucks' Newest Signing Coined as Move of the Offseason, Per NHL Insider
A trusted NHL insider believes that the Vancouver Canucks' newest signing of Vitali Kravtsov, who has spent the last two seasons overseas in the KHL, is now being coined as the organizations move of the summer.
Last week, the Vancouver Canucks surprised their fans when they announced the signing of Russian forward Vitali Kravtsov, who they initially acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers in February 2023, but after just 16 games in British Columbia, he decided to head to the KHL for a couple of years.
While the KHL might not be on the same level as other leagues in Europe, such as the NL, DEL, SHL or Liiga, it still produces some of the game's biggest stars and several former Vancouver Canucks have even had success there, including Josh Leivo, who was named MVP for the 2024-25 campaign after breaking the single-season goals record and for Vitali Kravtsov, he was given a big opportunity to grow in Chelyabinsk.
Going back to the KHL ended up being a pretty good decision on Kravtsov's part, putting up 92 points in 121 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk and the hope is he can contribute, likely in a bottom-six role, with the Canucks starting this fall.
Vancouver Canucks' signing of Vitali Kravtsov was a smart move, insider believes
While making an appearance on Sekeres and Price this week, Elite Prospects' Cam Robinson discussed the signing of Vitali Kravtsov, who is among a number of prospects battling this fall for one, maybe two spots, on the Canucks' opening night roster.
Robinson says that he believes the signing of Kravtsov was an excellent, low-risk move by Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks' management group, but he still has a lot of work to do to prove himself at the NHL level.
He also shared that when it comes to a spot on the team's opening night roster in October, it could come down to Vitali Kravtsov and former first round pick Jonathan Lekkerimaki, with Robinson saying he'd give the edge right now to the Russian forward.
"I think that it is a excellent low-risk move, especially to bring him in on a two-way deal. Yeah, he's getting a good chunk of change there in the American League if that's where he ends up, but that's just fine. You know, he took steps and I talked to some people that scout and watch the KHL a lot more than I did the last year and he was good, I was told that he was very good." Robinson said.
He added, "The big thing on him is that it's been a work rate issue right? He hasn't always given everything that coaches felt he could give and that's frustrating. From reports, it's that he's found another level. Now, can he find another level here in North America? That's the big question. But I think you bring him into camp and you have him there and you know, it's him or Lekkerimaki and both aren't making this team. I would say that he [Kravtsov] has a better chance of making it than Lekkerimaki does at this point."
He added, "The big thing on him is that it's been a work rate issue right? He hasn't always given everything that coaches felt he could give and that's frustrating. From reports, it's that he's found another level. Now, can he find another level here in North America? That's the big question. But I think you bring him into camp and you have him there and you know, it's him or Lekkerimaki and both aren't making this team. I would say that he [Kravtsov] has a better chance of making it than Lekkerimaki does at this point."
Only time will tell how Vitali Kravtsov fits into the Vancouver Canucks organization, but if he's able to have a strong showing during training camp, proving that last year's KHL season wasn't a fluke, then it's safe to say he'll have a legit shot of being with the club on October 9th when they open the season against the Calgary Flames.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 13 | 1797 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks' Newest Signing Coined as Move of the Offseason, Per NHL Insider Do you think the Vancouver Canucks made the right decision by bringing Vitali Kravtsov back to North America? | ||
| Yes | 1537 | 85.5 % |
| No | 260 | 14.5 % |
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