NHL Rumors: Jack Eichel trade almost happened; and Kravtsov wants out of Rangers organization
Anthony Scultore
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Last week, TSN Insider Darren Dreger updated the Jack Eichel situation and caused quite a stir. “Sources say the Eichel saga may be shifting,” he tweeted. “Ongoing discussions and additional access to Jack Eichel’s medical file has helped teams with trade interest clearly see his situation. Both sides are hopeful something can be worked out soon with one of the clubs in the mix.”
Unfortunately for Jack Eichel, nothing came of it but Emily Kaplan of ESPN says a deal was close.
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NHL Rumors: Jack Eichel trade was almost done
On a recent episode of ESPN’s The Point, Emil Kaplan provided the following update:
“It’s true,” Kaplan answered that Eichel was almost moved. “Behind the scenes the NHL and NHLPA have intervened to push things along. They don’t like the stalemate. I was told as of Thursday (10/7) there was serious optimism that a trade was imminent. Everyone felt really good about it – they thought it was going to happen. But then on Friday it went quiet.”
She also noted there are five teams involved and all would let Eichel have his preferred artificial disc replacement surgery. Host John Buccigross added that he felt the team that would get him are the Vegas Golden Knights.
Interestingly enough, I learned the Rangers were heavily involved and would be until they signed Mika Zibanejad. Possible connecting of dots may indicate the team that was close could’ve been New York but dropped out as they finalized Zibanejad’s extension on the following Sunday.
Vitali Kravtsov wants out of the Rangers organization
Kravtsov, 21, whom the Rangers selected 9th overall in the 2018 Draft wants out so bad that he will report to the AHL, so long as it is for another organization.
The young winger didn’t make the team back in 2019 and used his European out clause to return to Russia. Last year’s pandemic shortened schedule resulted in him playing the full KHL season before joining the Rangers for 20 games where he notched 4 points.
Here we are again, but with Kravtsov willing to go the minors of another club.
Talking with a knowledgeable source, I learned Kravtsov feels very strongly that he belongs at the NHL level. He is a very confident hockey player, maybe too confident to accept this demotion. There were also rumblings around the team that they weren’t happy with his conditioning in camp. The lower-body injury he suffered in preseason action may have been a result of that.
I also learned that Chris Drury was not a fan of his selection in the first place. It really should not be surprising since Drury came in an overhauled the scouting staff, including letting go of Head of European Scouting Nick Bobrov.
It’s likely that Kravtsov and his agent get that sense too and are looking for a fresh start.
Currently, the Rangers are in the same pickle as they were with Lias Andersson and that only netted them a 2nd round pick. Four teams have multiple selections in the 2022 Draft; Ottawa, Calgary, Arizona, and Detroit.
