As the 2025 off-season continues, many players will be linked to the Vancouver Canucks. Whether through trade or free agency, Vancouver is expected to be busy over the next few weeks as the management group builds a roster that can compete for a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. One familiar face that the Canucks could bring back is forward Vitali Kravtsov, who is reportedly wants to return to the NHL for the 2025-26 season.
According to Hockey News Hub, which covers the KHL, Kravtsov wants to at least attempt an NHL comeback next season. The 25-year-old has spent the last two seasons in the KHL, playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk. While Kravtsov has not been on Vancouver's roster since 2023, the organization still holds his rights, with the Russian forward being a restricted free agent this off-season.
The Canucks acquired Kravtsov from the New York Rangers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline for a 7th round draft pick in 2026 and William Lockwood. He played 16 games with Vancouver, recording two points while averaging 10:50 of ice time. After the season concluded, Kravtsov signed in the KHL, where he has been for the last two years.
Over the past two seasons, Kravtsov has recorded some impressive numbers for Traktor. He had 92 points in 121 games and finished this season with a league-high plus/minus of +31. Kravtsov also helped his team make the KHL Final this season, before falling to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in 5 games.
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With the Canucks searching for more offence, there is a chance that bringing back Kravtsov is a low-risk, high-reward move. He has good size at 6'2", 187 lbs, and is capable of producing offensively. Kravtsov has also been part of the organization before, meaning that members of Vancouver's management and coaching staff have some experience working with him on a day-to-day basis.
The big question surrounding Kravtsov is if his game can translate to the NHL. He did struggle during his limited time with the Rangers and Canucks, and in Vancouver, could not find a way to gain the trust of then head coach Rick Tocchet. That being said, he does have more experience at the pro level now, which may have helped his game mature since leaving the NHL.
In the end, bringing Kravtsov back to the NHL could be a smart move by the Canucks. Vancouver needs more offensive-minded players in their bottom-six, which is exactly what the 25-year-old could bring to the roster. While he may not be able to live up to his ninth-overall draft position, Kravtsov has the potential to provide some value to the Canucks lineup during the 2025-26 season.
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