…In exchange for William Lockwood and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick

by Canucks Communications @Canucks / Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the club has acquired forward Vitali Kravtsov from the New York Rangers in exchange for William Lockwood and Vancouver’s seventh-round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

“We are excited to add Vitali’s combination of size and skill to our group,” said Allvin. “He is a smart player and a former first-round pick with a good set of skills. We look forward to welcoming him to Vancouver to continue developing his game with our coaching staff.”

Kravtsov, 23, has appeared in 28 games with the Rangers this season, recording six points (3-3-6), six penalty minutes, and a +6 plus-minus rating. In 48 total NHL games since 2020.21, he has accumulated 10 points (5-5-10) and 10 penalty minutes.

The 6’3″, 186-pound right winger has also spent time playing professionally in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Traktor Chelyabinsk over parts of six seasons since 2016.17. He most recently suited up for the KHL club in 2021.22, posting 13 points (6-7-13) in 19 regular season games and an additional 10 points (7-3-10) in 15 playoff games.

A native of Vladivostok, Russia, Kravtsov has represented Russia on the international stage, including the 2019 World Junior Championships in Vancouver at Rogers Arena. In seven tournament games while serving as an assistant captain, he registered six points (2-4-6), guiding Russia to a Bronze medal.

Kravtsov was originally selected by the New York Rangers in the first round, ninth overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.