Sergei Gonchar Shares Key Advice for Vitali Kravtsov's Success in Second Chance with Vancouver Canucks
Tonight, former Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Sergei Gonchar spoke about what Vitali Kravtsov needs to improve in his second stint with the team.
Vitali Kravtsov recently signed a contract to return to the NHL after two seasons playing in the KHL.
Kravtsov, a former top-10 pick by the New York Rangers, has always been considered talented enough to make it in the NHL.
However, in each of his previous three NHL stints Kravtsov has failed to put everything together.
Even still, when he returns to Russia the talented winger lights it up earning himself another opportunity on the NHL stage.
This evening, former Canucks assistant coach Sergei Gonchar who coached Kravtsov revealed what he would like to see improved in the Russian's game.
Sergei Gonchar Gives Vitali Kravtsov Advice Heading Into Latest NHL Opportunity
When speaking about Kravtsov's last opportunity with the Canucks, Gonchar confirmed that Kravtsov needs to adapt his game to be more physical and to be more confident shooting the puck.
You can tell from Kravtsov that he has everything - good skating, technique, everything else. He needs to be more persistent, get on the goal more often, adapt his game more to the North American style. A little more shooting, fighting. These components need to be developed to fit into the Canucks team. Then it will be easier for him.
In the KHL, the bigger ice surface allows players to have more time and space to skate without having to engage physically.
This is what has allowed Kravtsov to go back to Europe and thrive but now at 25 years old after building up strength he finally seems ready for the challenge of a more physical style.
The Canucks won't truly know what they have in Kravtsov this time around until the regular season begins.
Hopefully, his time away from the NHL has conditioned him well to finally be the impact forward so many thought he could be in his draft year.
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SEPTEMBRE 3 | 53 ANSWERS Sergei Gonchar Shares Key Advice for Vitali Kravtsov's Success in Second Chance with Vancouver Canucks Do you think Vitali Kravtsov will be an impact player for the Vancouver Canucks this season? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 39.6 % |
| No | 32 | 60.4 % |
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