‘He has simply received to grasp. He has to point out us he needs to play. He’s a very good child, however I’m undecided he is aware of the work degree but.’ — Rick Tocchet on Vitali Kravtsov
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We’re wanting again on the 2022-23 Vancouver Canucks with a spotlight right this moment on Vitali Kravtsov. Within the coming weeks, we are going to break down the season and try how participant conditions venture going into 2023-24.
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Vitali Kravtsov
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Age: 23
Place: Left wing. Proper wing
Profession stats: GP: 64; G: 6; A: 6; Pts: 12
Contract standing: One-year, $875,000 US extension with the Rangers expired this season. Restricted free agent has arbitration rights, however no leverage, and qualifying supply is $840,000.
The whole lot appeared in place for Vitali Kravtsov.
The winger was getting a recent begin with the Vancouver Canucks after spot responsibility with the New York Rangers and deemed expandable in a late February commerce. The ninth-overall choice within the 2018 NHL draft wanted a change of surroundings and alternative.
He received each.
Kravtsov was re-united with world junior championship teammate Vasily Podkolzin and the pair helped energy Russia to bronze in 2019 at Vancouver and Victoria. No matter went incorrect with coach Gerard Gallant in Manhattan — together with 9 scratches in his final 11 video games — was both circumstance or a warning that his sport was removed from okay.
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“I can’t say something dangerous. The whole lot that occurred there, stays there,” Kravtsov mentioned upon his arrival. “I solely wish to speak concerning the future.
“I’ve to point out as much as deserve extra minutes. My confidence proper now is just not as excessive as I would like. I’m going to attempt to construct that within the video games. I hope it’s going to go in a great way.”
Effectively, it didn’t.
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet tried to seek out the positives in what would change into an audition season. His widespread chorus of “There’s one thing there” was a tribute to those that took path and put within the work.
Those that didn’t heard one thing else as a result of that is going to be a summer season like no different for roster hopefuls to reach at camp in peak situation. Kravtsov was lumped into that group, however there was additionally an asterisk by his title.
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It wasn’t simply his two factors (1-1) in 16 video games. It was an absence of drive, want and consciousness to mesh right into a system that put a premium on pressuring the opposition, defending pucks, and never being a legal responsibility.
The Canucks dangled a carrot, and the expectation from these within the know was that the 6-foot-3, 186-pound ahead would reply.
“Truthfully, he must be re-built a bit of bit by way of confidence and entering into a special setting the place individuals and a participant improvement division believes in him,” NHL prospects scout Shane Malloy mentioned of the commerce.
“He could possibly be a dominant ahead alongside the wall and on the web — if he understands cycle and shield the puck correctly.”
That’s loads of ifs.
How 2022-23 went: Thriller wrapped in a riddle
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The Canucks have been hopeful that Kravtsov’s six factors (3-3) in 28 video games with the Rangers have been only a ceremony of passage for a struggling first-rounder.
Tocchet supplied alternative, but additionally had Kravtsov on a brief leash. He was scratched eight instances, together with 5 instances within the remaining eight video games, as a result of the bench boss had seen sufficient in 10:50 of common ice time. He performed as little as 6:48 and as a lot as 13:03.
Tocchet allowed the winger to mesh into the lineup with Podkolzin and Sheldon Dries. He even gave Kravtsov shifts with Elias Pettersson to get his offensive motor working.
“He has simply received to grasp,” mentioned Tocchet. “He has to point out us he needs to play. He’s a very good child, however I’m undecided he is aware of the work degree but.”
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Kravtsov did present glimpses of what he can do. Tocchet had him out in an time beyond regulation pairing with Podkolzin throughout a 5-4 shootout win over the Nashville Predators on March 6. Earlier on that very same evening, the pair moved into the offensive zone at pace. Podkolzin instinctively put a no-look go off the sideboards to catch Kravtsov in full flight for a very good scoring probability.
It was both a one-off or hope that Kravtsov will profit from a full camp with Tocchet.
How the long run seems to be: A crowded hockey home
With a glut of proper wingers, it helps that the left-shot Kravtsov may also play the left aspect.
His finest roster wager is constructing chemistry with Podkolzin on a 3rd line with a centre, who could arrive by way of a commerce or free company, if normal supervisor Patrik Allvin can transfer a bottom-six winger like Conor Garland with out retaining wage.
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Kravtsov’s skilled excessive was 24 factors (16-8) in 49 video games with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League in 2020-21. What might he be right here if managed and motivated?
“His success goes to rely upon participant improvement,” mentioned Malloy.
Biggest strengths: Has measurement, sufficient pace, good one-timer to be simpler with effort.
Biggest weak point: Recreation consciousness. Has to place within the work and be keen to grind.
Is he commerce bait?: No. He has zero worth in market. He’s what he’s: A venture.
The massive query: Can Tocchet attain him on some degree to disclose the participant, not a potential downside?
Extra from Canucks underneath the Microscope collection:
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Vitali Kravtsov
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Andrei Kuzmenko
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Vasily Podkolzin
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Kyle Burroughs
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: J.T. Miller
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Brock Boeser
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Jack Studnicka
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Quinn Hughes
• Canucks Underneath The Microscope: Nils Aman
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Anthony Beauvillier
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Dakota Joshua
• Canucks Underneath the Microscope: Conor Garland
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Originally posted 2023-05-16 21:40:21.
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