Before the New York Rangers locked in their major defensive signing, there were serious talks of a sign-and-trade involving the Los Angeles Kings. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the two teams explored a deal for Vladislav Gavrikov, but it ultimately collapsed. It’s unclear whether the Kings ever truly had a shot at re-signing him, as Gavrikov seemed intent on heading to New York.
Despite negotiations with the Kings on a possible contract extension, the 29-year-old defenseman chose free agency and signed a seven-year, $49 million deal with the Rangers. Many believed he could have fetched a higher salary elsewhere, but he accepted slightly less to join the Blueshirts. Now seen as a cornerstone of the Rangers’ defensive overhaul, Gavrikov is expected to log major minutes, possibly even lining up beside star defenseman Adam Fox. Last season, he played all 82 games for the Kings, tallying five goals and 25 assists while averaging over 23 minutes a night.
