Vitali Kravtsov Hits NHL Waivers: Will the Montreal Canadiens Make a Game-Changing Move?

Every so often, the NHL waiver wire delivers a twist that could reshape a team’s future—and today, the hockey world is buzzing with speculation. Vitali Kravtsov, once heralded as a top prospect and selected ninth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, is suddenly available to any team willing to take a chance. But what makes this situation especially intriguing isn’t just the player’s pedigree or his recent journey through the league. It’s the hidden connections and decisions waiting to unfold behind the scenes, and the tantalizing possibility that the Montreal Canadiens, guided by familiar faces, might be the ones to seize this opportunity.

Kravtsov’s name has long carried weight among scouts and executives. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-3 and boasting a skill set that once had fans dreaming of stardom, he’s been both celebrated and scrutinized since his draft day. His career in North America has been a rollercoaster—flashes of brilliance mixed with stretches of frustration, brief stints with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks, and now, a surprising appearance on unconditional waivers. The announcement from Vancouver’s front office was swift and clear: Kravtsov is being released for the purpose of contract termination, ending another chapter in his NHL journey.

But while his numbers in the NHL may not leap off the page—just 12 points in 64 games—Kravtsov’s performance elsewhere tells a different story. In the KHL, he’s been nothing short of dominant, racking up 58 points in 66 games, including a remarkable 27 goals during the 2024-2025 season. Even in the AHL, his flashes of offensive talent have kept scouts interested. The question now is whether any NHL team, especially one with the right connections and insight, will offer him one final chance to prove himself on hockey’s biggest stage.

Enter the Montreal Canadiens, a franchise in transition and always on the lookout for untapped potential. The ties between Kravtsov and Montreal’s leadership run deeper than most realize. Jeff Gorton, now a key executive with the Canadiens, was the very man who selected Kravtsov ninth overall for the Rangers. Few know the player better, and even fewer understand what it takes to help him succeed. Add to this the presence of Nick Bobrov, whose relationship with Kravtsov could be the missing piece in this puzzle, and the stage is set for a decision that could send shockwaves through the league.

As fans and analysts speculate, the stakes are clear: Kravtsov’s next move could either reignite his career or send him back to Russia, where he’s already proven he can thrive. Will Montreal take the leap, banking on old connections and the hope that a change of scenery can unlock his potential? Or will another team swoop in, sensing an opportunity to steal a first-round talent for free?

The answer is far from simple, and the implications stretch far beyond a single roster spot. To uncover the full story behind Kravtsov’s waiver drama—and what it means for the Canadiens’ future—keep reading. The next chapter could be the most surprising yet.

Sep 26, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Vitali Kravtsov (92) skates against the Seattle Kraken in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

We saw some action in the NHL waiver wire today, and the Montreal Canadiens will indeed have an interesting pick to make.

Do we give a chance to the 9th overall pick, Vitali Kravtsov?

In any case, he’s available completely for free.

Vitali Kravtsov available on the NHL waiver wire

It’s interesting, as he was the 9th overall pick by the New York Rangers in 2018 (a first-round pick), a very high selection made by none other than Jeff Gorton at the draft.

“General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that F Vitali Kravtsov has been placed on unconditional waivers for purpose of contract termination.”

– Vancouver Canucks

Kravtsov, 25, is a talented forward standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 186 pounds.

He has 12 points in 64 NHL games (with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks), but he has completely dominated the KHL.

Notably, he put up 58 points in 66 games, including 27 goals, during the 2024-2025 season.

In the AHL, he has 4 points in 10 games this season with the Canucks’ affiliate team.

Will a team give him one final opportunity?

He seems to have the talent to break out, but if he isn’t claimed, all signs point to him returning to Russia.

If anyone knows him well, it’s Jeff Gorton (of the Montreal Canadiens).

And if anyone knows him even better than Gorton, it’s a certain Nick Bobrov.

A story to follow, for sure