Reconciliation is the best course of action for Kravtsov, Rangers

One step forward, two steps back. That has been the theme of the Rangers since April. The headlines should be about the Rangers and their quest to make it back to the postseason. Instead we have headlines about unnecessary drama, asset mismanagement, and entitlement. It’s very clear that both the Rangers and Kravtsov are to blame for their current situation. But for both Kravtsov and the Rangers, reconciliation is the best course of action.

Reputation control

Neither Kravtsov nor the Rangers are going to come out of this looking good. The Rangers have now messed with a pair of top ten picks, both requesting trades after being sent to the AHL numerous times. It is clear there is a communication gap between the coaching staff/front office and the prospects. Whatever gap that may be, it has now happened twice and is no longer a fluke.

For Kravtsov, how else can he come off except entitled? He came to camp expecting to play himself into shape, a normal expectation for most players, but still ill advised. He got hurt, and could not do so. Thus he was sent to the AHL to get back into shape and would be the first call up. Instead, he quits. If there is another way to paint that picture, then by all means, please let me know.

While similar to the Lias Andersson debacle, this is different. Andersson had legitimate gripes because the Rangers preferred to convert a defenseman to forward before giving a top ten pick a shot. That’s a problem. Kravtsov, on the other hand, would be on the roster right now if he stayed.

Trade value and leverage

The Rangers have little to no leverage right now with Kravtsov. They want top six talent in a trade, but that likely isn’t going to happen. Plus given their issues at RW, a trade sooner rather than later is needed. That doesn’t leave many options, even if there are five teams rumored to be interested in him.

Kravtsov is impacted by the leverage as well. The Rangers likely aren’t –shouldn’t?– going to give Kravtsov away for nothing. This has the potentially to be held up for quite some time, perhaps even until next offseason. Does Kravtsov really want to wait it out in Russia?

If he does, then it’s an endless loop of value deteriorating and the Rangers unwilling to move for peanuts. It’s the time loop of Dr. Strange being with Dormammu. Kravtsov must come to bargain, and the Rangers must listen. Although I’m unsure who is Dormammu in this situation.

Everything always comes back to the MCU.

Rebuild, repair, and move on

This is where it is in both parties interests to rebuild and repair the relationship before moving on. It should, in theory, speed things up when the Rangers are trying to move him. In the best case scenario, Kravtsov comes in and puts up at least 0.5 points per game in a third line role, thus enhancing his trade value on the ice. By coming back, he recognizes that he made a mistake and is willing to learn, thus repairing his image around the league.

For the Rangers, a repaired image helps them on the ice in terms of points and then in trade situations.

It’s truly a win-win. Reconciliation is the best course of action for the Rangers and Kravtsov. Unfortunately, that seems unlikely.