A Rangers pick or two looking to come to North American
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers are trying to bring 2018 first-round draft pick Vitali Kravtsov to North America.
Kravtsov is still under KHL contract until April 30th but his KHL team has been eliminated from the playoffs last week.
If he were to get his release from the KHL, the Rangers may not want to sign him to his entry-level deal this season as it would burn a year.
An ATO is highly unlikely but it wouldn’t burn a year.
Aivis Kalnins: Statement from Traktor Chelyabinsk on their willingness to allow Kravtsov to join the Rangers. Gubarev:
“According to Vitaly Kravtsov, negotiations have been going on for two nights in a row. The Rangers are interested in him coming to them now and playing a few matches. According to the results of this, they will decide whether he will help them next season or will he remain in the Tractor. I would also like to help a guy to go overseas and prove himself. We will act within the framework of the KHL regulations.”
Igor Eronko: Yegor Rykov on if he’ll be joining the Rangers anytime soon: “I don’t have an answer for you.”
A buy out could be in Shattenkirk’s future if his game doesn’t improve
Kevin Shattenkirk of the NY Post: If defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk’s play doesn’t improve by the end of the season, it’s possible that the New York Rangers could buy out the 30-year old defenseman.
Shattenkirk was made a healthy scratch on Thursday, the second time this season.
He was two years left on his deal and carries a $6.65 million salary cap hit. The buyout window opens at the start of June.
If bought out the Rangers cap hits would be $1,483,333, $6,083,333, $1,483,333, and $1,483,333.