Congratulations to Vitaly Kravtsov, #KHL Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/lCStxrLuSd
— Dr Marko Sjoblom (@markosjoblom) May 24, 2018
1. Vitaly Kravtsov
2017-18 Team: Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL)
Date of Birth: Dec. 23, 1999 (18 years old)
Ht: 6’2″
Wt: 182 pounds
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Left
Ranked #24 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #28 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #12 by TSN
Ranked #3 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
I fear right wing Vitaly Kravtsov is this year’s Eeli Tolvanen — a player I’m convinced Colorado needs but one I think the Avs will pass over.
Kravtsov has all the skills and talents that the Colorado Avalanche value. He’s a fast player with soft hands who thinks the game as fast as he moves. He’s considered to be the Alexei Kovalev of this generation, and I loved me some Kovalev back in the day.
I also like that Kravtsov adds some size — it certainly didn’t hurt the Avs this season having big, ol’ Mikko Rantanen on the team. What’s more, he’s got a similar gift to Nathan MacKinnon’s — he can change speed on the rush.
Though not a power forward, Vitaly Kravtsov can play with a bit of an edge. What’s more, he just won Rookie of the Year in the KHL.
Draftsite has Kravtsov going right after Colorado’s pick, at #17. Other mock drafts have him going as high as #6 and as low as #23. McKeen’s Hockey and Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects both have him right at #16, so it’s not just me. Additionally, according to Rick Sadowski of Hockey Buzz, Avs scouts have him on their radar.
Full Vitaly Kravtsov profile:
Related Story: Vitaly Kravtsov
I’ll leave you with this delectable highlight video of how he plays: