Talented winger Vitali Kravtsov might have played his last game for the New York Rangers. According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, Kravtsov is currently in native Russia and doesn’t want to return to NHL unless he is traded.
The Rangers reportedly already accepted that Kravtsov isn’t part of the team’s future and wouldn’t mind moving him. However, Staple points out that a trade is not expected to take place anytime soon.
The reason why Vitali Kravtsov isn’t interested in playing for the Rangers is his poor relationship with general manager Chris Drury. Their conflict is well documented and includes Drury calling out and criticizing Kravtsov publicly on several occasions. It also didn’t help that the team didn’t include the 21-year-old in their 2021-22 opening night roster, wanting to send him to the AHL.
The Rangers’ head coach Gerard Gallant tried to be the peacemaker ahead of the 2021-22 NHL season and even personally talked with Kravtsov but failed to change his mind. The 2018’s ninth overall pick is looking for a fresh start in NHL, according to SportsNet, and is set on leaving New York.
Kravtsov played 20 games for the Rangers, all of which came last season. He contributed with two goals and two assists while on ice.
