Blue Jackets Exploring Trade Market for Vladislav Gavrikov

Recent speculation suggests the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs would be a fit for Columbus Blue Jackets D-man Vladislav Gavrikov.

Mired at the bottom of the NHL standings, the Columbus Blue Jackets are expected to be sellers by the March 3 trade deadline. Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov could be their best trade chip.

Gavrikov, 27, is slated to become a UFA on July 1. He carries an affordable $2.8 million cap hit this season and lacks no-trade protection. He started surfacing in the rumor mill late last month as speculation grew regarding his contract talks with the Blue Jackets.

It appears Gavirkov's stalled negotiations have the Jackets exploring the trade market. On Jan. 25, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reported management had given permission for Gavrikov and his agent to talk contract with other clubs.

According to Hedger, the Jackets could match the best contract offer to Gavrikov through those trade discussions, but that scenario seems unlikely. He felt the longer the season goes without an extension, the more likely the blueliner will be traded.

Hedger indicated the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs are among the clubs linked to Gavrikov in recent rumors. He also said multiple insiders claimed the Jackets' asking price would be comparable to what they got for David Savard at the 2021 deadline. That was a late first-round pick, plus a third-rounder.

Sportsnet's Luke Fox felt that Gavrikov could be a good fit on the left side of the Leafs' blueline. However, he thinks the Leafs could get outbid in the trade market unless the Jackets lower their asking price.

As for the Oilers, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek recently said they could be among the clubs looking at Gavrikov. Colleague Elliotte Friedman pointed out they've inquired about every available defenseman, but that's slowed down of late, given their improved play.