Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Canadiens Could Eye Jeff Gorton's Former First Round Draft Pick as He Hits NHL Waivers
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
We saw some action in the NHL waiver wire today, and the Montreal Canadiens will indeed have an interesting pick to make.
Do we give a chance to the 9th overall pick, Vitali Kravtsov?
In any case, he's available completely for free.
Vitali Kravtsov available on the NHL waiver wire
It's interesting, as he was the 9th overall pick by the New York Rangers in 2018 (a first-round pick), a very high selection made by none other than Jeff Gorton at the draft.
"General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that F Vitali Kravtsov has been placed on unconditional waivers for purpose of contract termination."
- Vancouver Canucks
- Vancouver Canucks
Kravtsov, 25, is a talented forward standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 186 pounds.
He has 12 points in 64 NHL games (with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks), but he has completely dominated the KHL.
Notably, he put up 58 points in 66 games, including 27 goals, during the 2024-2025 season.
In the AHL, he has 4 points in 10 games this season with the Canucks' affiliate team.
Will a team give him one final opportunity?
He seems to have the talent to break out, but if he isn't claimed, all signs point to him returning to Russia.
If anyone knows him well, it's Jeff Gorton (of the Montreal Canadiens).
And if anyone knows him even better than Gorton, it's a certain Nick Bobrov.
A story to follow, for sure
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 4 | 714 ANSWERS Canadiens Could Eye Jeff Gorton's Former First Round Draft Pick as He Hits NHL Waivers Would you give Vitali Kravtsov a chance? | ||
| Yes | 399 | 55.9 % |
| No | 315 | 44.1 % |
| List of polls | ||