Canadiens Could Renew Trade Talks For Rangers’ Kravtsov

The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers could renew trade talks, with Vitali Kravtsov again asking for a trade out of the Big Apple.

Leading up to last year’s NHL Trade Deadline, the Canadiens and Rangers were said to be engaging in trade discussions together over some of New York’s prospects.

It made a ton of sense, as the Canadiens had just hired former Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton, and Director of European Scouting Nick Bobrov, both of whom were instrumental in selecting Kravtsov at 9th overall at the 2018 NHL Draft.

Keep an eye on the Rangers and the Habs between now and March 21. I think Montreal covets some Rangers prospects. Habs could fill some Rangers needs. Montreal would rather add prospects over picks. Already have 12 picks for the July draft. Rangers' pipeline drawing Habs interest

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 16, 2022

A deal never came to fruition between both clubs, with the timing likely not being right for a deal.

But, with Kravstov recently requesting a trade from the Rangers for a second time in as many years, the timing could be perfect for the Canadiens to acquire a top-end talent on the cheap.

Looking For An Opportunity

The New York Rangers are absolutely loaded with talent on the wings.

With Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Kappo Kakko, Alexis Lafrenière and recently acquired Vladimir Tarasenko monopolizing ice time in the Rangers’ top six, there isn’t much room for Kravtsov.

Despite limited ice time and inconsistent deployment by head coach Gerard Gallant, Kravtsov has put up some encouraging underlying numbers for the New York Rangers this season.

In 28 games this season, Kravtsov has produced three goals and three assists for six points, while playing an average of just 11:25 minutes per game.

Kravtsov’s underlying numbers have been among the best on the Rangers, with New York controlling 52.80% of shots (CF%) while he was on the ice.

He’s been a positive impact player for the Rangers at even strength, posting a 51.5% expected goal differential (xGF%), while playing in a bottom-six role.

Similar to the narrative surrounding Lafrenière’s lack of success since the start of his NHL career, Kravtsov is simply stuck behind some incredible depth on the wings and could use a change of scenery to be given a real opportunity in an offensive role.

Kravtsov's first of the season gives the Rangers the lead! #NYR pic.twitter.com/p2E1RfUgVf

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) December 3, 2022

A Fit WIth The Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to add size and talent to their forward corps as they continue their rebuild, and Kravtsov provides both.

The 6’3, 186lbs forward has the necessary offensive tools to immediately take up a top-9 role with the Canadiens, along with some much-needed power play deployment.

He’s also a very strong shooter, possessing a devastating wrist shot and some very soft hands. The Canadiens are currently lacking true left-handed shooting threats, with most of their offence coming from right-handed youngsters like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach.

Furthermore, the Canadiens need forwards capable of driving play at 5-on-5, as they’re currently being overmatched at even-strength; with only Sean Monahan (53 CF%) helping Montreal control more than 50% of shots while on the ice.

In fact, Kravtsov’s 52% controlled shot share with the Rangers would rank him at second overall with the Montreal Canadiens.

Kravstov fits all those needs for the Montreal Canadiens.

He would also be a perfect project for the Canadiens’ development team; who has earned the praise of Canadiens prospects for them reach new levels of play this season.

At 23 years of age, Kravtsov would have the opportunity to come in and play a meaningful role until the end of the season; helping him get a foot in the door in preparation for next season.

Vitali Kravtsov scores against the Chicago Blackhawks to make it 6-1 #CHIvsNYR #Blackhawks #NoQuitInNY pic.twitter.com/D5csC9QLUm

— nopClips (@nopClips) December 19, 2022

Buy Low, Sell High

Given the history between Kravtsov and the Rangers, it’s very unlikely that New York will be able to pry a high draft pick for Kravtsov.

Having requested a trade for a second time now, the Rangers are likely looking to recoup an asset that could be of value to the organization.

The Canadiens have a plethora of draft picks in available to them in 2023 and in the future, as well as a deep prospect pool that could be of interest to the Rangers.

It would be the perfect “Buy Low” type of deal that general manager Kent Hughes has sought out before.

It’s simply a question of timing.

All statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via NaturalStatTrick.