The options are dwindling for the Columbus Blue Jackets, as every day, another contender adds depth on defense without acquiring Vladislav Gavrikov. According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is still “perturbed” that a deal with the Boston Bruins— the reason for pulling Gavrikov from the lineup—fell apart.
With the Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and even Buffalo Sabres already making defensive additions, Kekalainen has his work cut out for him if he’s to bring back the package of future assets previously rumored to be attached to Gavrikov. Notably, Portzline reports that agent Dan Milstein has recently told teams that the pending free-agent defenseman will likely test the open market in the summer, instead of entertaining extension talks with any acquiring team.
Kekalainen, master of drumming up significant interest in players that don’t have a huge impact, may have missed his chance. After landing first-round picks for David Savard and Nick Foligno in 2021, it’s difficult to see that market for his biggest chip this time around.
After more than two weeks in the press box, Gavrikov will have to do more than just settle in whenever he does find a new home. The 27-year-old will have to shake off the rust of an eight-game absence and get back in game shape. He last played on February 11, the second half of a home-and-home with the Maple Leafs. Columbus won that game, with Gavrikov playing for nearly 22 minutes. No matter where he goes, he will unlikely get that kind of playing time at his next stop. Paying a premium for time-on-ice—Gavrikov’s underlying defensive metrics leave something to be desired—seems like a mistake that teams will avoid, especially with so many other defensive options available.
If there was a legitimate package on the table (or even agreed to) from the Bruins, it certainly makes sense why Kekalainen would be frustrated. He may now end up with far less than once expected for his pending free-agent defenseman.
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