Everything has gone wrong if you are the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a team that went from landing one of the biggest fish this off-season to being in the running for Connor Bedard. Injuries have plagued this roster and they find themselves as big-time sellers at the trade deadline. One player on their roster that could be a big trade chip is Vladislav Gavrikov.
Columbus Blue Jackets Vladislav Gavrikov Could Be On The Move
Rumour: Frank Seravelli lists Vladislav Gabrikov as a possible trade chip for the Columbus Blue Jackets
Vladislav Gavrikov could be the perfect trade chip. It is shame that the team that spent $80 million this offseason is poised to be a seller. They have a good core in place with Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine, and Zach Werenski. But poor structure and poor play have them in this position. One player that the organization truly likes and wants to sign further could actually become a trade chip. He is young and carries a cap hit of $2.8 million. Gavrikov could come as a rental as he is an unrestricted free agent at the season’s end.
Why Would A Team Do This Trade?
As a contending team searching for depth, look no further than to trade for Vladislav Gavrikov. If you are a contending team that is up against the cap, Gavrikov could fit the bill. You can never have too many defensemen when it comes to the playoffs. Gavrikov is good in his own end and stays true to being a defender. He has that defence-first mentality and is physical. This is the type of guy that could thrive in a shutdown role when the playoffs begin.
It would not be fun to part ways, but as Seravelli states: Columbus got a first and third for David Savard in 2021. Gavrikov is younger than Savard was at the time of that deal and receiving a haul for the standout blueliner could set them up nicely for the future.
Main Photo:
