Bruins Have Interesting Potential Target In Kings Defender

Michael DeRosa

Apr 28, 2025

Partner

499499Members·3.7K3,664Posts

Michael DeRosa

Apr 28, 2025

Partner

Vladislav Gavrikov (© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

The Boston Bruins are preparing for what should be a busy off-season. Bruins management's goal is to make the team competitive again, and they are going to have plenty of cap space to work with this summer. Thus, it would not be surprising if the Bruins make multiple additions to their group this off-season.

One area where the Bruins should focus on improving this summer is their defense. After trading Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, the Bruins should be looking to bring in a steady top-four defenseman. One pending unrestricted free agent who stands out as a possible target for the Bruins because of it is Los Angeles Kings blueliner Vladislav Gavrikov.

While Gavrikov is a left-shot defenseman, he can play the right side and has done so often this season with the Kings. Thus, he could be a great addition for the Bruins to add to their second pairing. In addition, his steady defensive play would make him an obvious choice for the Bruins' penalty kill if signed.

While Gavrikov is more known for his strong defense, he can also contribute offense from the point. In 82 games this season with the Kings, he had five goals, 30 points, and a plus-26 rating. Thus, the 6-foot-3 blueliner provides a bit of everything and could be a major addition to the Bruins' blueline because of it.

The Bruins were also one of the teams connected to Gavrikov leading up to the 2023 NHL trade deadline before the Kings acquired him from the Columbus Blue Jackets. That was not very long ago, so it would be understandable if the Bruins expressed interest in yet again this summer. It will be interesting to see if they pursue him from here.

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