STAMFORD, Conn. – When it came time for Vitali Kravtsov to do his first interview during New York Rangers Development Camp on Monday, he politely waved off director of European scouting Nick Bobrov.

Bobrov was in the locker room at Chelsea Piers Connecticut to help translate for the Russian prospects, but Kravtsov wanted to try this one on his own.

The 19-year-old forward has been in the U.S. since signing his entry-level contract with the Rangers nearly two months ago and learning the language has been an important point of pride.

“He obviously came here to show you guys he could speak English,” Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said to reporters following Monday’s practice. “I think that says a lot about who he is and where he’s going.”

The player who garnered the most attention on the first day of prospect camp was Kaapo Kakko — and understandably so.

The 18-year-old from Finland is freshest in the minds of fans after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in last weekend’s NHL Draft.

But there’s an argument to be made, at least for the coming season, that Kravtsov has a chance to make an equal — or greater — impact.

“I think he’s going to be right there,” Gorton said. “He’s going to come in and try to win a job, like a few of these other guys. Why shouldn’t he think like that? He’s played in the KHL for a couple years and been successful. He’s doing all of the right things to try and make himself a good player.”

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Kravtsov was the Rangers’ top pick in last year’s draft, though a No. 9 choice doesn’t come with quite the same buzz as No. 2.

After being drafted, it was deemed the best course of action to have Kravtsov play another season for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Kontinental Hockey League, which is widely considered the second-best league in the world behind the NHL.

The 6-foot-3, 181-pounder proceeded to raise his stock with a strong season given his age and the level of competition. He led all KHL players younger than 20 years old in goals (eight), assists (13) and points (21) while playing in 50 games and being selected for the KHL All-Star team. His points total tied for ninth-most in KHL history by a player younger than 20 years old.

“It's a hard question,” Kravtsov said when asked if he's ready for the NHL. “I need to work hard in the gym (and) work hard on the ice. ... Every year, you need to be better.”

Like Kakko, Kravtsov is a big winger with a versatile skill set and a knack for creating offense. Kakko is considered a slightly more physical player, but Kravtsov is thought to be the better skater of the two.

Kakko put up better statistics last season (22 goals and 16 assists in 45 games) while playing in Liiga, the top professional league in Finland. But Kravtsov is a year older and coming from a more highly-regarded league. (thehockeywriters.com ranks the KHL as the second-best league in the world, with Liiga at No. 4.)

“When he was in the draft, I think there was some uncertainty just because you don’t see him as many times as some of the other guys,” Gorton said of Kravtsov. “But I think our (scouts) always felt like there was a lot of skill.”

Kravtsov has impressed Gorton with his commitment, and though it’s very, very early, he looked like the sharpest player on the ice Monday.

He understands what’s at stake, calling this “a big step in my career.” He also referred to Kakko as, “my new partner.”

The Rangers are managing expectations, but it’s no secret that both are expected to make the team and help put pucks in the net.

While Kakko has been busy with all the draft hoopla — he said his last time on the ice was for the IIHF World Championships in May — Kravtsov has prepared by training in the U.S. and studying the language.

He's feeling comfortable with his new team.

“I’ve seen a lot of games on TV and I always watch every highlight on TV, so I know pretty much every player,” he said of the Rangers.

Asked how he fits in with the current roster, Kravtsov showed that he’s already learned some American diplomacy.

He paused, smiled, and said, “Ask the coach.”

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