The Rangers are continuing to work on bringing Vitali Kravtsov to New York so the 2018 first-rounder can spend time around the team and acclimate himself to NHL surroundings, but it is no sure thing that will happen, according to individuals with knowledge of the situation.
Though Kravtsov’s KHL team, Traktor Chelyabinsk, was eliminated from the playoffs last Monday, the 19-year-old’s contract does not expire until April 30. But even if a release can be arranged, the Rangers won’t sign him to an entry-level deal beginning with this season, for that would automatically burn the first year of a three-year contract.