As the New York Rangers entered the second year of the David Quinn era, an influx of youth was expected to lead the way as they began their ascent back to Stanley Cup contender status. One of those players was Vitali Kravtsov, the Blueshirts’ ninth overall selection in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. After spending his first post-draft season in the KHL, Kravtsov agreed to an entry-level contract with New York over the summer, and was expected to be play steady minutes in the team’s top nine throughout the season.
That hasn’t happened.