NHL Rumors: Rangers Actively Shopping Top Prospect

The New York Rangers are stepping up their efforts to trade top prospect, Vitali Kravtsov, according to Elliotte Friedman.

Their primary goal is to improve their roster for the playoffs, so Kravtsov could be the main piece heading the other way in a big trade for the Rangers. He has been in the rumor mill since he refused to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Hartford Wolf Pack. He made it clear that he's disgruntled with the organization, and it appears that this hasn't changed.

Friedman noted that Kravtsov no longer views the Rangers as an option for his playing career. However, he then followed that up by stating that the 22-year-old winger has made it clear that he still intends to play in North America next season, and a trade would help with that.

Kravtsov has been playing this season with Chelyabinsk Traktor on a loan. In 19 games thus far, he has six goals, seven assists, and a plus-4 rating. He's showing true signs of improvement at the KHL level, which in turn, is heightening his trade value. However, he does have to stay in the KHL until the year is over but can return to the NHL next year.

It will be interesting to see if the Rangers can trade him to land a big-name player. If they manage to successfully complete a huge splash, expect him to the main piece heading the other way.