Is Vladislav Gavrikov Headed to the Boston Bruins?

Vladislav Gavrikov remained a healthy scratch for trade-related reasons. Could he go to the Boston Bruins after they maneuver their tight salary-cap space?

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to hold Vladislav Gavrikov out of their lineup for “trade-related reasons.” However, they could be getting close to shipping out the 27-year-old defenseman with the Boston Bruins as the potential destination.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that the Bruins could be looking at Gavrikov to bolster the left side of their blueline. He also believes that's why the Jackets have sat him out for the past week.

Friedman pointed out that salary-cap space is one of the issues for Boston. “The Bruins have to do some things to make this work,” he said.

On Sunday, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reported the Jackets are believed to have a trade in place. However, they're awaiting the other club to complete a transaction first.

Gavrikov isn't the only defenseman on the Bruins' radar. Friedman indicated they've also looked at Jakob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes.

Gavrikov would be more affordable for the Bruins. He's on an expiring contract with an average annual value of $2.8 million. Chychrun, meanwhile, is signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $4.6 million.

The Blue Jackets were believed to be seeking a first- and a third-round pick similar to the return they received for David Savard at the 2021 trade deadline. CapFriendly indicates the Bruins still have their first and third-rounders for 2023.

With $1 million in projected trade deadline cap space and Tomas Nosek ($1.75-million AAV) expected to soon come off long-term injury reserve, the Bruins will have to shed some salary to acquire Gavrikov or Chychurn. That would explain the holdup in getting a deal done.