The Athletic: Vancouver Canucks Seventh Overall Pick Likely to Hit the Waiver Wire
Vitali Kravtsov is set to make his NHL return this season in Vancouver, but now, according to The Athletic, he could be a name to watch on the waiver wire.
After a disappointing start to his career in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Vitali Kravtsov departed for the KHL in recent years, with many believing his career in North America could be over.
However, after a promising campaign in 2024/25 where he tallied 27 goals and 58 points in 66 games played, he quickly returned to the NHL, signing a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks.
Will Vitali Kravtsov miss the Vancouver Canucks roster?
Earlier this pre-season however, it was revealed that he may need to be waived ahead of his return campaign, and now, The Athletic have named him as a player to watch on the waiver wire heading into the regular season.
"A top-10 pick in 2018, Kravtsov is attempting an NHL comeback after finishing sixth in KHL scoring last season. The Canucks have a glut of depth forwards, and Kravtsov is currently on the outside looking in on a roster spot.
Kravtsov has intriguing size and skill, though he lacks a standout offensive trait. His straight-line speed appears to be quicker than it was during his last NHL stint, though his edge work in tight areas is still a work in progress. Kravtsov could appeal to a team with less depth that wants to gamble on his tools, pedigree and last year's KHL breakout."
Kravtsov has intriguing size and skill, though he lacks a standout offensive trait. His straight-line speed appears to be quicker than it was during his last NHL stint, though his edge work in tight areas is still a work in progress. Kravtsov could appeal to a team with less depth that wants to gamble on his tools, pedigree and last year's KHL breakout."
While he had success in the KHL, that's not guaranteed to translate to North America, and even if the Canucks are confident he can be an everyday player for them, he may still need to pass through waivers, and it could be a big opportunity for a rival team to swoop and land the 25-year old winger.
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