Rangers draft Russian winger Vitali Kravtsov 9th overall
The New York Rangers selected Vitali Kravtsov with the ninth overall pick in the NHL draft on Friday night.
Position: Right wing
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 183 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Chelyabinsk Traktor (KHL)
Nationality: Russia
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
Kravstov's numbers don't jump off the page, but playing in the KHL - the second-best league in the world - is no easy task for a teenager. He did, however, show encouraging signs of progression, as he tallied six goals and 11 points in 16 playoff games.
As a left-handed shot playing on his off wing, Kravstov profiles as a highly skilled offensive-minded forward. He has extremely slick hands, good speed, great creativity off the rush, and has a quick release on his shot.
He showed tendencies of being a perimeter player, but that could be a byproduct of playing with men at such a young age. He also is rather slim for someone with his height.
"While he can make some nice plays and shows good creativity, I think he’s more of a finisher than a playmaker; someone who could drive his offense in the NHL through leading on zone entries and finishing chances from a distance," said The Athletic's Corey Pronman.