NEW YORK, NY — In a significant move that reshapes their defensive corps and signals a clear vision for the coming years, the New York Rangers have officially agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov on a comprehensive seven-year contract worth $49 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million, was finalized on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, just as the NHL free agency period officially opened. This long-term commitment to the 29-year-old blueliner highlights the Rangers’ belief in his ability to be a foundational piece on their backend for the foreseeable future.
The signing of Gavrikov comes as part of a busy offseason for the Blueshirts, who also signed forward Will Cuylle to a two-year, $7.8 million contract ($3.9 million AAV) on the same day. However, the most impactful transaction accompanying Gavrikov’s acquisition was the trade of defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes. In exchange for Miller, the Rangers received a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft, and defenseman Scott Morrow. This swap not only brought in valuable draft capital but also cleared cap space and opened the door for Gavrikov to step into a prominent role.
Vladislav Gavrikov, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, is known for his rugged, defense-first style of play. Drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the sixth round (No. 159 overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Gavrikov spent five seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) before making his NHL debut in 2019. Throughout his career, he has consistently showcased himself as a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman capable of shutting down opposing offenses.
In 435 regular-season games with the Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings, Gavrikov has accumulated 135 points (29 goals, 106 assists) and boasts a career plus-minus rating of +24. His most recent season (2024-25) with the Los Angeles Kings was particularly strong, where he recorded 30 points (5 goals, 25 assists) and an impressive plus-26 rating in all 82 regular-season games. He also led the Kings with 140 blocked shots, averaging a career-high 23:05 of ice time per game.
Gavrikov’s playing style is characterized by:
- Defensive Reliability: He excels in his own zone, utilizing his size, reach, and physical play to break up opposing rushes, win puck battles along the boards, and clear the front of the net.
- Shot Blocking Prowess: His willingness to put his body on the line to block shots is a valuable asset, especially in crucial moments.
- Strong Stickwork: Gavrikov is adept at using his stick to disrupt passing lanes and poke pucks away from opponents.
- Mobility for his Size: Despite his large frame, he possesses decent skating ability, allowing him to keep pace with fast forwards and recover on defensive assignments.
- Complementary Partner: He is viewed as an ideal partner for more offensively-minded defensemen, providing the defensive stability that allows his partner (like Adam Fox, as projected) to jump into the rush and create offense.
Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating that Gavrikov brings “the size, the reach, the competitiveness, the way he defends, the way he’s able to complement his partner whether that’s (Adam) Fox or any other right-shot (defenseman) that we have. That’s what excited all of us in targeting this player. Thrilled to be able to have him as a key part of that (defense) corps.” New head coach Mike Sullivan, who replaced Peter Laviolette on May 2, 2025, will undoubtedly appreciate Gavrikov’s defensive acumen and experience.
The seven-year, $49 million contract for Gavrikov is a substantial commitment, and like any long-term deal, it comes with its share of benefits and potential risks.
- Defensive Stability: Gavrikov immediately slots into the Rangers’ top-four defense, likely partnering with Adam Fox on the top pair. This pairing is expected to provide a formidable defensive presence, allowing Fox to unleash his offensive creativity with the confidence that Gavrikov is covering his back.
- Physicality and Grit: The Rangers have sought to add more physicality to their lineup, and Gavrikov fits that mold perfectly. His presence will make them tougher to play against, particularly in the playoffs.
- Penalty Kill Anchor: Gavrikov is a strong penalty killer, an area where the Rangers continually look to improve. His defensive awareness and shot-blocking ability will be crucial on the special teams.
- Leadership and Experience: At 29 years old, Gavrikov brings veteran leadership and experience to a Rangers blueline that, despite having star power, can benefit from his calm and consistent play.
- Age and Term: Gavrikov will turn 30 in November, meaning he will be 37 years old at the end of this seven-year contract. While his game relies less on pure speed and more on positioning and physicality, there is always a risk of decline in the later years of such a long deal.
- Cap Hit: A $7 million AAV is a significant cap hit for a defense-first player, especially given the rising salary cap and the need to sign other key players in the future. The contract also contains a full no-movement clause for the first five seasons, turning into a modified no-trade clause in the final two years, limiting the Rangers’ flexibility.
- Comparison to Miller: The trade of K’Andre Miller, a younger (25 years old) and more offensively dynamic defenseman who signed an eight-year, $60 million contract ($7.5 million AAV) with Carolina, presents an interesting comparison. The Rangers evidently prioritized Gavrikov’s defensive reliability and immediate fit over Miller’s offensive upside and youth, a decision that will be heavily scrutinized in the coming seasons.
With Gavrikov’s arrival and Miller’s departure, the Rangers’ defensive depth chart for the 2025-26 season takes shape:
- Adam Fox – Vladislav Gavrikov: Expected top pair, balancing Fox’s offensive flair with Gavrikov’s shutdown capabilities.
- Ryan Lindgren – Jacob Trouba: The veteran pair, bringing physicality and experience. (Assuming Lindgren was retained or re-signed).
- Braden Schneider – Erik Gustafsson/Scott Morrow: Schneider continues his development on the third pair. The acquisition of Scott Morrow (a promising 22-year-old right-shot defenseman acquired in the Miller trade) provides an exciting internal option to compete for a roster spot or potentially see time in Hartford (AHL) before a full-time NHL role. Other depth defensemen like Zac Jones or Matthew Robertson could also be in the mix.
The trade of Miller and the signing of Gavrikov demonstrate a clear strategic shift by the Rangers’ front office under Chris Drury. They are doubling down on a more defensively stout blueline, particularly after missing the playoffs in the 2024-25 season. The long-term commitment to Gavrikov is a testament to their belief that his consistent, defense-first approach is precisely what they need to contend for the Stanley Cup in the competitive NHL landscape. The success of this move, and the entire offseason overhaul, will ultimately be judged by the Rangers’ performance in the 2025-26 season and beyond.
