7 Trade Deadline Targets for the Montreal Canadiens

Vitali Kravtsov

Kravtsov’s name has circled around the rumour mill since the summer, and his profile is certainly an intriguing one: a 6’2″, 189 lbs left-shot RW who was drafted 9th overall in 2018… by Jeff Gorton. Kravtsov plays a gritty game and is unafraid of imposing himself physically, but his shot, speed, and hands are what made him such a valued commodity on draft day.

However, the fit between the Rangers and Kravtsov has clearly not been ideal, as Kravtsov scored just 2 goals and 4 points in 20 games last season and has spent this season on loan in the KHL after refusing to report to the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford; he has scored 6 goals and 13 points in 19 KHL games this year.

The Rangers are not dealing from a position of strength; Kravtsov has yet to produce at the NHL level, has voiced his desire to be traded, and hasn’t lit the KHL alight this year. His value is likely similar to that of a second-round draft pick. Could a trade involving Lehkonen net the Canadiens both Chytil and Kravtsov in a huge swing for the fences based on pure skill and trust in Martin St. Louis? I think it’s within the realm of possibility. If you think this is unrealistic from the Habs’ perspective, think of how greatly Chris Drury values hard-working middle-six wingers; he signed Barclay Goodrow to a six-year deal with a $3.64 million AAV, and he dealt first-line forward Pavel Buchnevich to St. Louis for Sammy Blais and a 2nd in a terrible trade.