When the Canucks traded for Vitali Kravtsov earlier this season, there was a sense of cautious optimism in the air. Just a few years ago Kravstov was one of the most highly regarded prospects on the planet after being picked ninth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers.

While Kravtsov didn’t work out in New York, he scored just 10 points across 48 NHL games over the course of two seasons before falling out of favour with the organization, and he’s still just 23 years old. The Kravtsov trade was the exact type of gamble on a high-upside player that non-contending teams should be making.

However, since being acquired, Kravtsov hasn’t exactly impressed. The 6’3″ winger has just a single point in 13 games with the Canucks and has struggled to make an impact on the ice. While 13 games is not the largest sample size, he has the worst Corsi For% of any forward to wear the Vancouver jersey this season and is ahead of just Tanner Pearson and Jack Studnicka in expected goals percentage.

With every passing game, Kravtsov is wearing out his welcome in Vancouver. The Canucks have plenty of wingers that can play in the NHL as the position is an organizational strength. Since he doesn’t kill penalties, Kravtsov needs to be driving offence to be worthy of ice-time. He hasn’t shown that yet. This summer is going to be a massive one for Kravtsov to prove that he deserves a spot on the Canucks next season, or even in the NHL at all.

What was the scouting report on Kravtsov as a prospect? 

As a prospect, Kravtsov was seen as a future top-six NHL contributor. He really did a lot for his draft stock when he scored 11 points in 16 games during the KHL playoffs as a teenager. In a league that’s known for being low-scoring and tough on kids, that level of production caught the attention of scouts.

“Playing his off-wing, Kravtsov has a very impressive set of hands. He can shoot in tight spaces and with a lightning-quick release. Kravtsov comes with a strong hockey IQ and can work his way into the soft spots in the defense. Reads plays and situations well.” – NBC Sports Scouting Report on Kravtsov in 2018 before the NHL Draft

Some of the qualities that Kravtsov possessed that scouts thought would translate well to the NHL included his puck skills and shot. He was expected to be a strong offensive player, yet he has yet to score even at a 0.5 points per game rate in North America.

Fast forward a few seasons and Kravtsov will need to show that his hands and shot are above NHL average to stay in the league. He doesn’t kill penalties and isn’t especially known for his defensive game. Being an offensive contributor is key to his NHL longevity.

Kravtsov’s 13 games with the Canucks

Since he arrived on the team, Kravtsov has the lowest goals-for percentage at 5-on-5. He’s been on the ice for a single Canucks goal during that time while the team has conceded four. Beyond those goals, the Canucks also control 44.74% of the shots and 41.75% of the expected goals during those minutes, neither great rates.

While it might be possible to dismiss some of the concerning stats surrounding Kravtsov’s time with the Canucks due to the sample size only being 13 games, that is about 15% of a full season. In addition, the tape hasn’t exactly given much to be encouraged about. While there have been flashes here and there, the overall body of work has fallen short of expectations.

Take a look at the following shift where Kravtsov uses his body to separate the defender from the puck, gaining possession after a successful forecheck. He then manages to shield the puck while controlling play in the offensive zone, wins another puck battle against the 6’6″ Jordan Greenway, and makes a dangerous pass to the middle of the ice.