Rangers Land Top Defensive Free Agent Gavrikov
The New York Rangers get their player on the back-end by signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $7 million AAV deal. At this time, this is an upgrade to K’Andre Miller who is a RFA. It appears as though he is going to be traded to the Carolina Hurricanes now as the two teams are working on a deal.
Gavrikov can play top pairing minutes and looks to be the partner of Adam Fox moving forward. This could really free Fox up as Gavrikov is so solid and has proven to be wherever he goes.
Gavrikov put up five goals and 30 points in 82 games last season while playing over 23 minutes per night. He is a major penalty killer as the Russian logged 270 minutes killing penalties in 2024-25.
Gavrikov had 140 blocked shots and 50 hits last season and moves Carson Soucy down to the second pairing with Urho Vaakanainen on the third pairing. The Rangers’ defense doesn’t look amazing, but is arguably better than it was at the end of last season.
Gavrikov should definitely help Igor Shesterkin a lot. The star goalie didn’t have a ton of help in front of him and stood on his head a lot. This is a group that can make the playoff again and will be a lot more stable throughout the season.
