Rangers’ top pick stuck in Russia for year
Vitali Kravtsov’s development will continue for one more season in Russia after the likelihood arose that a conflict over the final year of his KHL contract would keep the Blueshirts’ 2018 ninth-overall draft selection off the ice for an extended period, The Post has learned.
Sources report the KHL was prepared to file a grievance if Kravtsov attempted to buy his way out of the second year of his entry-level deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk. The arbitration hearing process might have taken months, during which time the first-rounder would not have been able to play on either side of the Atlantic. KHL training camps begin in the middle of July. The regular season opens Sept. 1.
Hence, though Kravtsov and the Rangers were anxious for the 18-year-old winger to begin his adaptation to the North American game and lifestyle in Hartford with the AHL Wolf Pack, all parties agreed it would be in everyone’s mutual interest for him to avoid potential litigation and instead play out his obligation. He will be free and clear of his KHL commitment at the end of the season.
Kravtsov, who participated in the Blueshirts’ prospect camp late last month, will be unable to join the team for training camp and the Traverse City rookie tournament. He is, how- ever, a prime candidate for a spot on Team Russia’s World Junior roster.
➤ Talks between the Lightning and Senators regarding a potential Erik Karlsson trade have subsided. Dallas has reemerged as the most likely destination for the two-time Norris recipient if Ottawa moves him within the foreseeable future.
The Rangers, though, are maintaining a level of interest in bringing former captain Ryan Callahan back to New York if Tampa Bay feels the need to address looming 2019-20 cap issues. Callahan has two years at $5.8 million per year remaining on his deal. General manager Jeff Gorton presumably would be seeking a draft sweetener in conjunction with obtaining Callahan.
No. 24’s recent history of injuries and rehab (including post-playoff right shoulder surgery that will likely sideline him for up to the first month of the season) mitigates against the Lightning being able to securely project Callahan for a 2019 buyout. The CBA prohibits buyouts of injured players.
➤ David Quinn has returned from his sojourn to Sweden, where the head coach met with Henrik Lundqvist. The Blueshirts, who are retaining Lindy Ruff as an assistant, are in the process of finalizing their coaching staff.