A former NHL scout thinks that the Habs should avoid a popular Rangers prospect and suggests two others
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Jeff DrouinFebruary 18, 2022 (2:43 PM)
Many trade rumors are surfacing these days between the Canadiens and the New York Rangers. Among the often mentioned Rangers prospects who could eventually end up in Montreal are the names of Julien Gauthier, Nils Lundkvist, Branden Schneider and also Russian player Vitali Kravtsov.
The latter would obviously have the ideal profile to join the Canadian and be part of the reconstruction of the team, and in addition, it was Jeff Gorton himself who selected him in the first round during the 2018 draft.
But Kent Hughes should be wary of the Russian prospect.
Former NHL scout Grant McCagg, who now works for Recrutes.ca, lowered expectations for the young Rangers prospect and even compared him to a player of the current edition of the Canadian.
«In 59 games in North America, Kravtsov scored eight goals and 19 points, and the ceiling that many scouts saw in the KHL playoffs have yet to materialize. Kravtsov hasn't been as competitive and consistent during his physical maturation. He seems to have a bit of Joel Armia in him. He'll play great for a few shifts...you won't see him for the next dozen."
Currently, Kravstov plays in the KHL for Chelyabinsk Traktor, where he has 13 points in 19 games this season.
McCagg said the two players the Canadiens should be watching are defender Braden Schneider and forward Brennan Othmann.
«I am not sold on Kravtsov. Watched some recent video and he's not close to being ready for a top-six NHL role. He may never be. I like another NY winger prospect more (in addition to Othmann) ...and it could mean getting a higher pick as well." - McCagg
I am not sold on Kravtsov. Watched some recent video and he's not close to being ready for a top-six NHL role. He may never be. I like another NY winger prospect more (in addition to Othmann) ...and it could mean getting a higher pick as well. https://t.co/ibJuDnvKQN� Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) February 17, 2022
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