A promising hockey career hits a sudden roadblock—what went wrong for Vitali Kravtsov? The Vancouver Canucks have made a bold move by placing forward Vitali Kravtsov on unconditional waivers, effectively ending his brief return to Western Canada. But here's where it gets controversial: just three months ago, Kravtsov signed a one-year, two-way contract with the team, hoping to reignite his North American hockey journey. So, what led to this abrupt decision? Let’s dive in.
On Tuesday, Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced the team’s intention to terminate Kravtsov’s contract via unconditional waivers. This comes after the 25-year-old failed to secure a spot on the main roster during training camp and was subsequently waived before the regular season began. Despite high hopes, Kravtsov’s second chance with the Canucks hasn’t materialized as planned.
Assigned to the Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, Kravtsov played in the team’s first 10 games of the 2025-26 season. However, his performance was underwhelming, with just one goal and three assists—a far cry from the scoring prowess he displayed in Russia. His lone goal came on October 18 against the Laval Rocket, and he was held scoreless in the following two games. For a player once considered a top prospect, this outcome is undeniably disappointing.
And this is the part most people miss: Kravtsov’s journey has been a rollercoaster. Drafted ninth overall by the New York Rangers in 2018, he was acquired by the Canucks in February 2023 with the expectation that he’d rediscover his scoring touch. Yet, after a lackluster 2022-23 season with just eight points in 44 games, he returned to Russia, where he thrived with Traktor Chelyabinsk, posting a career-best 58 points last season. But that success hasn’t translated to the NHL or AHL, raising questions about his fit in North American hockey.
In total, Kravtsov’s NHL career spans 64 games, with six goals and six assists, while his AHL record includes 49 games, seven goals, and 12 assists. These numbers pale in comparison to his KHL performance, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Is it a matter of style, pressure, or something else entirely?
This decision sparks debate: Did the Canucks give up too soon, or was this the inevitable outcome for a player struggling to adapt? What do you think? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on Kravtsov’s unexpected turn and what it means for his future in hockey.
