The Vitali Kravtsov redemption tour has come to an end. After a brief return to the Vancouver Canucks organization in August, the 25-year-old Russian winger is once again leaving the team. The Canucks announced on Tuesday that they were placing Kravtsov on unconditional waivers, effectively terminating his contract. This marks the second time the Canucks have said goodbye to Kravtsov, who had a challenging journey to become an NHL player.
Kravtsov's path to the NHL was already an uphill battle. Despite finishing among the top 10 in scoring in the KHL last season, he struggled to make an impact with the Canucks. During training camp, Kravtsov admitted that he faced a tough challenge, stating, 'I don't know, everyone is so good.' He acknowledged his skills but expressed the difficulty of translating his abilities to the NHL level. The Eastern Russian native's struggles continued during the preseason, leading to his inevitable assignment to the Abbotsford Canucks before the final roster cut deadline.
With Abbotsford, Kravtsov has shown some promise, recording one goal and four points in 10 games. However, his journey to the NHL was not without sacrifice. Kravtsov took a pay cut, accepting a contract worth $450,000 in the minors, compared to the NHL level's $775,000. Interestingly, top KHL players, like Kravtsov, reportedly earn around $1 million, highlighting the competitive nature of the NHL.
The Canucks' decision to terminate Kravtsov's contract opens up room for new talent. With 45 players already under contract, the team has the flexibility to add five more players without any subtractions throughout the season. As the Canucks continue to build their roster, the future of Vitali Kravtsov remains uncertain, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder his next move in the NHL.
