The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed defenceman, Vladislav Gavrikov to a two-year contract extension. Additionally, the one-way contract carries an average annual value of $5.875 million until his UFA year in 2025-26.
$5.875 M AAV x 2 years https://t.co/giLvIu4T26
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 7, 2023
Vladislav Gavrikov Lands Extension with Los Angeles
Gavrikov was traded to the Kings along with goaltender Joonas Korpisalo during the 2023 NHL Trade deadline. Safe to say, the trade did work out. Vladislav played over four seasons in Russia’s top league, the KHL, before making the jump to North America.
The Columbus Blue Jackets selected this diamond in the rough during the 6th round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. Gavrikov has now become a stable second-pairing defenceman in the NHL.
In 20 games with the Kings during the regular season, Vladislav scored three goals and added six assists for nine points. He and Matt Roy made a really solid pair for the Kings. Gavrikov is best known for his ability to defend the zone entry attack.
In a small sample size of 360 minutes, the Kings scored 14 goals for and allowed six against while Gavrikov was on the ice. Vladislav controlled 58.90% of the expected goals on-ice. In addition, the Kings only gave up three high danger goals against with Gavrikov on the ice in 20 games. His net-front presence is very strong.
During the six game playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers, Gavrikov was arguably the team’s best defender. The Kings outscored the Oilers in high danger goals five to two with Vladislav on the ice.
What This Means For the Future
The Vladislav Gavrikov contract extension signals many things. The team is bringing back a piece they acquired to bolster the defensive core is huge. However, this came at a price. They moved Sean Walker and Calvin Petersen as part of the Ivan Provorov trade to clear the cap space for this extension. Gavrikov will turn 28-years-old at the start of next season.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
