This summer, Jason Newland and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.
Today, we’re looking at Vladislav Gavrikov.
Target: Vladislav Gavrikov – LD – 6 Years Experience
How cool would it be if Vladislav Gavrikov re-joined the Columbus Blue Jackets? While it likely won’t happen, the organization is in a much better spot now—good enough that top free agents will at least look at Columbus as a place to play.
So, if Gavrikov were to leave the Los Angeles Kings, what exactly are the chances he would return to the Blue Jackets?
Let’s take a closer look.
Stats
In the 2024-25 NHL season, Gavrikov appeared in all 82 games and scored five goals and 25 assists for 30 points. He also had 140 blocks, 50 hits, averaged 23:05 of ice time, and finished with a +26 rating.
In his career, he’s played in 435 games, scored 29 goals and 106 assists for 135 points, and is a +24 overall.
Previous Salary
After being acquired by the Kings, Gavrikov signed a two-year deal back in 2023 worth $11.7 million, which carries a $5.8 million AAV. Contract experts now project he could earn somewhere around $7 million annually, potentially up to $7.6 million.
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Realistic Chances of a Signing: Cold
Gavrikov likely won’t consider Columbus just based on past familiarity. There’s a higher chance of him staying in Los Angeles than returning to the Blue Jackets.
The fit also isn’t really there on the blue line. As a left-handed shot, he’d slot behind Zach Werenski, and if Columbus is able to re-sign Ivan Provorov, that would push Gavrikov to the third pair. The only way GM Don Waddell seriously checks in on Gavrikov is if Provorov walks in free agency and they need another second-pairing defenseman.
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