Vitali Kravtsov Done With Canucks, Returning to Russia After NHL Stint

The Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Vitali Kravtsov on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, effectively ending his second stint with the organization. The team released an official statement on Tuesday.

Kravtsov, the ninth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, had signed a two-way deal with Vancouver in August after spending the past two seasons with Traktor Chelyabinsk in Russia. The Canucks were looking to revive his NHL career, but things have clearly not worked out as planned.

Kravtsov came off a strong KHL season, posting 27 goals and 31 assists in 66 games and boasting a +31 rating. Despite that success, his return to North America did not go as planned. He struggled in training camp, played only one preseason game, and was assigned to AHL Abbotsford, where he managed just one goal and three assists in 10 games with a -7 rating. His 5-on-5 impact was limited, and he was outscored 3-1 during his shifts.

With minimal pathway to NHL minutes and other options being preferred by the Canucks amid injury recalls, Vancouver has opted to let Kravtsov pursue opportunities elsewhere.

He is expected to return to Russia, likely signing a three-year deal with Tractor Chelyabinsk, where he had previously been a force. Kravtsov will forfeit the remainder of his $450,000 salary but is expected to earn more overseas.

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