Now that the NHL season has a January 13 start date, we can begin projecting the rest of the dates for the season. The playoffs will start around Memorial Day, which means a late April/early May 2021 NHL Trade Deadline. For the NY Rangers, they won’t even need to make a trade to get a potential boost at forward. Vitali Kravtsov may be that boost, if needed as a recall from the KHL.
KHL Season Timing
The KHL season ends, at the very latest, on April 30 with Game 7 of the Gagarin Cup. The playoffs begin on March 2. Traktor is a good team, but not at the top of the standings. There is always a chance they make a run, but it is likely they will be out of the playoffs before the Finals begin. Funny enough, there’s a strong change Yegor Rykov’s CSKA comes out on top.
It seems the likely scenario is Traktor’s season ends in early or mid-April. At that point a decision will be needed by both the Rangers and Kravtsov. He’s under contract, so the Rangers could simply recall him from the KHL at the end of the year. His destination after recall is still a question.
The Potential Plan
Since the Rangers do have a few question marks at forward, Kravtsov’s availability could be a much needed boost. It could be a stability boost, given the Rangers are using two second year pros in the top-nine. Kaapo Kakko is expected to rebound and solidify a top-six role. While I am high on Julien Gauthier, he’s still an unknown.
Kravtsov, given his strong KHL season, could be a big infusion of skill and stability to the top-nine. He could also be a solid injury (or COVID) replacement, if needed.
If neither are needed, then Kravtsov will head to the AHL and get reacquainted with North American hockey. He’s a top prospect, and one that could have a big influence in the top-six if he pans out. Maybe the confidence boost in the KHL this year is just what the doctor ordered.
The best part is that, if the Rangers recall Vitali Kravtsov from the KHL, they don’t need to swing a trade at the deadline. He’s basically a free acquisition. The Rangers aren’t expected to be in the playoff hunt, but that’s what we said last year too. Anything is possible.
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