With the July 1 free agency window approaching, speculation continues to ramp up around Vladislav Gavrikov’s next destination and a potential move to the New York Rangers.
The Rangers, who have retooled their roster aggressively this offseason by moving the longest-tenured player in the franchise, Chris Kreider, to the Anaheim Ducks, are widely reported to be a top contender for the pending free-agent defenseman.
Gavrikov is coming off a strong season with the Kings, posting 30 points and a +26 rating over 82 games while averaging over 23 minutes of ice time.
His two-way play and physical presence would address a key Rangers weakness, especially after the team fell short of the playoffs last season following their Presidents’ Trophy campaign two years ago.
The Athletic's Arthur Staple first connected the Rangers to Gavrikov, reporting that GM Chris Drury could make a push if he clears enough cap room.
"#NYR among a handful of teams (BUF, UTA, SEA) looking to shake up their roster soon," Staple posted on X. "(Goaltender Igor) Shesterkin, (defenseman Adam) Fox, and (forward Artemi) Panarin may be the only untouchables in trade talk.
"Keep an eye on Vladislav Gavrikov and #NYR if Chris Drury can free up space."
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman added that Gavrikov’s list of preferred destinations is limited, and the Rangers are believed to be on it.
“Among left shots, Vladislav Gavrikov is not believed to have a long list of places he wants to go if he leaves Los Angeles, which is why so many are pointing to the Rangers,” Friedman reported.
Cap space remains the main hurdle for the Rangers to solve before making a run at Gavrikov.
Daily FaceOff projects the defenseman to land a seven-year, $53.2 million contract with a cap hit of $7.6 million. As things stand, the Rangers have just under $12.2 million in cap space with three forwards and three defensemen set to enter free agency on July 1.
The strongest path to signing Gavrikov may hinge on trading K’Andre Miller, with the young blueliner a restricted free agent this offseason.
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