Kravstov Opts Out

Vitali Kravstov has gone back to Russia.  And this can only be looked at as an organizational disaster for the Rangers.  Two provisos, the KHL season ends in March, so he could be back, then.  Also, the Rangers can still call him up from Russia.

But here's the big issue: player development. When JD was welcomed back he spoke at length about player development and pouring more resources into it.  In his early interviews he talked about how impressed he was with Vitali Kravstov, who had learned English and had a great sense of humor. Not only that, but Kravtov, Fox and Kakko were the best Ranger players at the development camp and then again at Traverse City.  What's more, Kravstov was the only rookie to score a goal in the preseason. Nevertheless, he was sent down with Chytil, and once down, scratched and remanded to third line duties.

It's clear Kravstov would rather play than be punished, and so he's off the Russia. This shouldn't have happened.  Quinn is supposed to be a great young players coach, Kravstov is gone and Kakko is unhappy.  Not sure how Lias, feels, but he's not playing much, either.

Is Quinn only good at bringing along the North Americans? That's sure what it looks like now. And wouldn't better communication perhaps have kept Kravstov stateside?  How about more ice time in the AHL.  What was done down there is unforgivable.  A possible star forward is more important than an AHL coach, and Knoblauch shouldn't have been allowed to put him on the third line of scratch him.

And what does this say to the unsigned prospects like Miller, Jones and Barron, as well as others, who have leverage and don't have to sign with the Rangers.  Could this turn them into the next Vesey's or Fox's?  It doesn't look like the Rangers will go out of the way for their own kids.  They better not let it snowball.

As for Kravstov.  Mickey Mantle got sent down and wanted to go home as a teenager.  His dad picked him up and said what had to be said.  No one has done that for Kravstov. But he can still have a great career.

The Rangers need to fix this.

UPDATE: Vitali Kravstov has signed back with his old team, Traktor Chelyabinsk.