In a move that had been rumored for weeks, Vitali Kravtsov has exercised the European Assignment Clause that allows him to sign and play with a team in Russia. Kravtsov signed a one year contract with his old team, Traktor Chelyabinsk, but he is subject to recall by the Rangers. At the very least, he can return to North America at the end of the KHL season.
The regular KHL season ends on February 27 and he could return to the Rangers as soon as the season is over. If he is with a playoff team, he could be playing in Russia until the end of April.