Kirby Lee-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bffede7c-989d-44f3-9053-864c2bec5a6a.jpeg] Kirby Lee-Imagn Images It seemed as if Vladislav Gavrikov had his sights set on the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/] all along, but there was actually one other team on his radar. According to Peter Baugh of The Athletic [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6484038/2025/07/10/rangers-gavrikov-miller-trade-free-agency-nhl/], Gavrikov was also interested in joining the Florida Panthers, but the Panthers did not have the salary cap space to bring the veteran defenseman on board, especially after re-signing Aaron Ekblad to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension. The Los Angeles Kings were negotiating a contract extension with Gavrikov basically up until the free agency window opened on July 1. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/rangers-and-kings-were-reportedly-working-on-sign-and-trade-for-vladislav-gavrikov-before-big-signing] reported that the Rangers and Kings were even discussing a potential sign-and-trade involving Gavrikov, but it reportedly fell apart. Ultimately, Gavrikov hit the open market and quickly signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Rangers.
