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a New York Rangers rookie changes perspective on his 2nd stint in North America

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Joshua Deeds
October 8, 2022  (2:10 PM)
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The New York Rangers have a solid set of rookie prospects, who they'll have to make a decision on, and this rookie is no different.

Vitali Kravtsov went back to the KHL last season, using an option in his contract to go back to Europe, instead of being assigned to the Hartford Wolf-Pack.

He has since come back to America to give it another shot after Traktor Chelyabinsk was eliminated from the Gagarin Cup finals in April.

Kravtsov has taken on air of his humility since coming back from Russia and has attempted to make an impact on and off-ice during camp, building relationships with his teammates.

Every day is a new day. If I'm not on that line, I don't have to be mad at somebody. I know I didn't play well, but I'm trying to be better. I think everybody sees that. That's life. Sometimes you go through changes, and I just have to do what I can do � focus on what I can control."

A difference in this season as well is his linemates and mentor, Kravtsov shares more in common with Artemi Panarin than other Rangers players.

During camp, Panarin has made it a point to keep Kravtsov's head in the game by encouraging him to delete all social media and to work hard in the gym.

«Every time when I go in the locker room, he's like, �Hey, you have to be in the gym,'» Kravtsov said of Panarin with a laugh. «I like it. He's making me stronger every day.»

While Kravtsov hasn't made many waves during camp, his opportunity may be diminishing yet again. Kravtsov has spent much of camp on Trocheck and Panarin's line and Gallant has already spoken of placing him elsewhere.

With only one assist in the pre-season, it's time for Kravtsov to gain confidence and show up again, or he will suffer the same fate as he did last season--Hartford.

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Do you think the Rangers will build off last season?

Yes4233.6 %
No3729.6 %
They�ve only gotten stronger.2318.4 %
Regression is bound to happen2318.4 %
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