The coach basically said the opposite. He was sent because he didn't make the team. Whether Krav should have made the team or not is a different argument. He didn't make it and refused to report to the AHL. He's getting suspended and can seek a trade.
What is Gallant supposed to say? Make no mistake, the Rangers objective here is to move Gauthier and/or Hajek. Kravtsov is collateral damage.
I don’t have an issue moving Georgiev if the Rangers can find another fill-in at backup (not necessarily from Colorado)
The value for Hajek is very minimal. Krav didn't have a top 6 winger spot and didn't beat anybody out for a bottom 6 role when you consider how Gallant wants that bottom 6 to play so I don't really think Gallant was just bs'ing . Collateral damage or not, Krav doesn't throw a fit about reporting to the AHL if this is a temp move.
coach is doing company PR here
obv if Hajek dealt -- not possible for anything while rosters in flux -- K would still be here.
Hajek will not return a lot, likely a sweetener in a bigger deal
but obv club thinks he would get claimed.
And THAT is the thing
if no risk or waivers, Hajek would be in the A right now.
Rangers are not taking a loss on this guy.
Unlike Lias Andersson, K is a real talent
Rangers need to asap --- ie first good offer on the table, don't delay waiting for possible higher offer --- move Strome, Geo, Hajek who do not fit long term. We are not married to Krav but should not be moving him at a discount.
We can move on from Kinkaid too if he is garners interest.
Huska looks like sufficient stopgap this season, Wall is the future until someone emerges to claim that from him