Vitali Kravtsov
Position: Right Wing
Team: Traktor Chelyabinsk, KHL
Date of Birth: December 23, 1999
Birthplace: Vladivostok, Russia
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 183 pounds
Shoots: Left
We’re starting to get into the group of prospects that could be available when the Jackets pick at 18, and Kravtsov would be a solid option as a long-term solution at right wing. Following in the footsteps of Traktor alum Evgeni Kuznetsov, Kravtsov will likely spend a couple of seasons in the KHL before making the hop over to North America.
Kravtsov was also controversially awarded the KHL rookie of the year award, hardware that many think should have gone to Eeli Tolvanen. That said, Kravtsov followed up a decent regular season with a terrific playoff run with Traktor, rocketing him up the draft charts, finishing as the third-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting.
If a team can be patient with him, in a few seasons they’ll have a top-six contributor who should be lethal on the powerplay.
Here is his scouting report from Elite Prospects:
A big, skilled winger that can play up and down the lineup and provide scoring in a number of roles. He brings grit and physical size, but could be more assertive in throwing his weight around more. Displays excellent speed on the rush and in zone entry, but could backcheck quicker. Plays well in his own end and takes away lanes. Very good hands and awareness. Kravtsov has the potential to develop into a staple top six forward that can produce at the next level.
And here is his scouting report from Bill Placzek at Draft Site:
A big winger with very good straight line speed, and balance, quick feet, and scoring ability, whose numbers in the KHL were nothing to take notice of. The fact that he was on the first team power play says much for how he is thought of. He still needs to make use of his linemates, understand how to use his speed as a device to set up the attack of his entire five man group, and still needs to keep adding strength. Plays aggressive, hard and with grit,and projects as a power forward. There certainly is enough there for teams to consider him as highly skilled prospect that wouldn’t be available late in the first.
2017-2018 Statistics (KHL)
Regular Season: 35GP / 4G / 3A / 7PTS / 6PIM
Playoffs: 16GP / 6G / 5A / 11PTS / 8PIM