2018 NHL Draft Profile: Vitali Kravtsov

Vitali Kravtsov is one of the most fascinating and high upside forwards available at the 2018 NHL Draft

The 2018 NHL Draft is approaching quickly. This will likely be a draft known more for the defensemen chosen than the forwards. However, there’s a select group of forwards who could tilt the scale towards this being a draft remembered for the forwards. Russian forward Vitali Kravtsov is in this select group.

He played in the KHL this season against adults. Though Kravtsov struggled in the regular season, he was outstanding in the postseason. Combined with his resume against his peers and on international ice, he possesses a very high upside.

Prospect Profile

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Height: 6’2″ (189 cm)
Weight: 183 pounds (83 kg)
Team: Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL); Chelmet Chelyabinsk (VHL); Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)
Country: Russia
Position: Right Wing
Handedness: Left-handed
Date of birth: December 23, 1999
KHL Statistics (regular season): 35 games, four goals, three assists, seven points, six penalty minutes
VHL Statistics (regular season): Nine games, four goals, three assists, seven points, four penalty minutes
MHL Statistics (regular season): One game, one goal, two assists, three points
KHL Statistics (postseason): 16 games, six goals, five assists, 11 points
MHL Statistics (postseason):
Consensus Prospect Ranking*: 19

All profile info is courtesy of Elite Prospects.
*You can check our consensus prospect ranking right here.

Strengths

Kravtsov is an excellent skater. Easily one of the best in the 2018 draft. Kravtsov is very fast, quick, and explosive. He’s especially dangerous because he can create rush attempts on a fairly consistent basis.

In the playoffs, Kravtsov showed he can be a lethal sniper. He was a dangerous force and was arguably Traktor Chelyabinsk’s best forward during the postseason. Even in the regular season, Kravtsov showed a lot of potential, winning the KHL rookie of the year.

His success against adults should help him out a lot. It shows Kravtsov has the ability to play against players who are above his peers and still impress. Clutch isn’t a word I like to throw around too often, but there’s something to be said for doing well in big games. That’s something Kravtsov has done throughout his career.

Weaknesses

He has great size, but he doesn’t really know how to use it. Kravtsov rarely uses his 6’2″ frame to his advantage. He’s rather slim and needs to put on some more pounds. Kravtsov also has to learn how to use his body to his advantage. He did an outstanding job despite having no clue about body control, so imagine how dangerous he could be if he figures it out.

As is the concern with all Russian players, it’s fair to ask how devoted he is to come to North America. Then again, keep in mind this precise concern caused Evgeny Kuznetsov to fall in the 2010 draft. Most of the teams who passed over him would probably like a mulligan there.

What They’re Saying About Him

"“Plays well in his own end and takes away lanes. Very good hands and awareness. Kravtsov has the potential to develop into a staple top six forward that can produce at the next level.” – Elite Prospects“Kravtsov is the kind of player who can take over a game when he’s at his best and dominate possession by winning back pucks and playing aggressively. He certainly doesn’t lack confidence either, and doesn’t shy away from attempting to make high-end plays.” – Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)"

Highlights

Next: Post-Lottery 2018 NHL Mock Draft

Overall Outlook

Kravtsov’s stock rose big time with his KHL postseason. It’s the most productive playoff anyone under 19 years old has had in the KHL. Kravtsov has some risks, but his upside is outstanding. The Russian factor will come into play, but much like Kuznetsov, I bet a lot of teams are going to regret passing on him.

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