Rumor: Canucks lose one of their most intriguing young names

According to multiple Russian reports, Vancouver Canucks forward Vitali Kravtsov has signed a two year deal in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk.

Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal with the report:

Kravtsov was acquired by the Canucks from the New York Rangers last season after a... well... shall we say a tumultuous few seasons with the Rangers organization. 

The Canucks sent forward William Lockwood and a 7th round pick for Kravtsov, who played just 16 games for the Canucks in 2022-23 and just 34 games total split between the Canucks and the Rangers.

It's been a roller coaster of a career for Kravtsov after being elected 9th overall by the Rangers back in 2018. He has failed to earn a full time NHL job and has spent the majority of his pro career in the AHL, with a stint in the KHL as well. He reportedly asked out of New York twice and finally had his wish fulfilled this past season. Then just months later he decides to pack up and head back to Russia.

I suspect this will be the last we ever see of the talented Russian in the NHL.