The New York Rangers, fresh off a disappointing 2024-25 season and a significant defensive shake-up, appear to be a top contender for the services of pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. According to multiple reports from respected NHL insiders, Gavrikov, who is currently with the Los Angeles Kings but is poised to hit the open market on July 1st if an extension isn’t reached, has the Rangers high on his very short list of preferred destinations.
This development is highly significant for the Rangers, who are in desperate need of shoring up their blue line. The team has already undergone major changes on defense, trading long-time stalwarts like Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren during the 2024-25 season, while bringing in new faces such as Urho Vaakanainen, Will Borgen, and Carson Soucy. The potential addition of Gavrikov, a sturdy, experienced left-shot defenseman, would be a major upgrade and a critical piece in new head coach Mike Sullivan’s defensive scheme.
Vladislav Gavrikov, who will turn 30 in November, has quietly established himself as one of the NHL’s most reliable and effective defensive defensemen over his six-year career. Drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2015, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Russian quickly became a staple on their blue line before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in March 2023.
Gavrikov’s strengths lie in his strong two-way play and his ability to log heavy minutes against top competition. This past season, he averaged a career-high 23:05 in ice time, showcasing his durability and the trust placed in him by his coaches. While not known for his offensive fireworks, he did manage to hit the 30-point mark for the second time in his career in 2024-25 (5 goals, 25 assists), demonstrating his capability to contribute offensively.
However, his true value comes from his defensive prowess:
- Exceptional Shot Suppression: Analytics consistently highlight Gavrikov’s ability to limit opposing scoring chances. With him on the ice, teams allow very few goals and very few chances, stemming from his strong positioning, active stick, and willingness to engage physically. His 1.64 goals against per 60 minutes in 2024-25 was among the best in the league for high-usage defensemen.
- Physicality and Toughness: Gavrikov is not afraid to play a physical game. He uses his large frame effectively to win puck battles, separate opponents from the puck, and block shots. This adds a much-needed element of toughness to any blue line he’s on.
- Reliable and Consistent: One of Gavrikov’s most appealing attributes is his consistency. He brings a predictable, steady presence to the back end, rarely making egregious errors. This reliability is something the Rangers have sorely lacked at times, particularly from their left-shot defensemen.
- Experience and Leadership: Having played in numerous high-stakes games and logged significant minutes, Gavrikov brings valuable experience that can help stabilize a defensive corps that features some younger players.
The Rangers’ interest in Gavrikov is not surprising. Their defensive woes, particularly in their own end and in terms of consistent possession play, have been a recurring issue. The changes made during the 2024-25 season, including the departures of Trouba and Lindgren, indicate a clear mandate from General Manager Chris Drury to revamp the blue line.
The current core of defensemen includes Adam Fox (who recently signed a long-term deal), William Borgen, Carson Soucy, and Braden Schneider. While Fox is an elite offensive defenseman, he’s lacked a consistent, bona fide No. 2 partner on his left side. Ryan Lindgren had filled that role for a period, but his trade has left a void. This is where Gavrikov fits perfectly.
He is seen as a strong candidate to play alongside Adam Fox, providing a reliable defensive counterpart who can allow Fox to unleash his offensive creativity. While Gavrikov’s puck-moving might not be as dynamic as some other defensemen, his defensive solidity and ability to retrieve pucks would complement Fox’s style effectively. Even if new coach Mike Sullivan decides to split up a potential Fox-Gavrikov pairing for balance, Gavrikov’s presence would immediately give the Rangers two strong left-shot options for their top four.
Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding pending Restricted Free Agent K’Andre Miller amplifies the need for a player like Gavrikov. Miller has been the subject of frequent trade rumors, and if the Rangers are unable to re-sign him to a manageable deal or decide to move him for other assets, Gavrikov becomes an even more essential target to fill that top-four left-shot role.
While there’s clear mutual interest, signing Gavrikov will come at a significant cost. Projections for his next contract vary, but most anticipate a long-term deal (likely 5-7 years) with an annual average value (AAV) ranging from $7 million to $8 million per season. This would be a substantial raise from his previous $5.875 million AAV with the Kings.
The Rangers, while having cleared some cap space with recent moves (including the trade of Chris Kreider to Anaheim), still face cap constraints. Signing Gavrikov at, say, $7.5 million per season would leave them with limited remaining cap space to address other needs, especially with RFA winger Will Cuylle also in need of a new contract. This means Chris Drury will have to navigate a delicate balance to fit Gavrikov under the cap without sacrificing too much elsewhere on the roster.
Several factors likely contribute to the Rangers being a preferred destination for Gavrikov:
- Competitive Window: Despite missing the playoffs in 2024-25, the Rangers still possess a strong core of talent and are perceived as a team in a competitive window, eager to contend for a Stanley Cup. For a veteran like Gavrikov, joining a team with legitimate championship aspirations is a major draw.
- Market Size and Exposure: Playing in New York, for an Original Six franchise like the Rangers, offers unparalleled media exposure and a passionate fanbase.
- Role and Opportunity: Gavrikov would likely step into a top-four role on the Rangers’ blue line, potentially even a top-pairing role, which guarantees significant ice time and responsibility.
- Familiarity with the East: Having played primarily in the Eastern Conference with Columbus for several years before his trade to the Kings, Gavrikov is familiar with the teams and style of play.
- New Coaching Staff: The hiring of Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach, provides a fresh start and a clear vision for the team’s direction, which could appeal to free agents.
As the NHL free agency period approaches on July 1st, all eyes will be on Vladislav Gavrikov and the Los Angeles Kings to see if they can iron out an extension. However, if he does indeed hit the open market, all signs point to the New York Rangers being at the very top of his list, prepared to make a significant offer to bring the dependable defenseman to Broadway and solidify their blue line for years to come.
