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It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re one week past the March 7 trade deadline. However, that doesn’t mean the rumours have slowed down. General managers now have to make some decisions on what players they want to sign in the off-season. There are a plethora of players that could hit the free agent market on July 1. However, teams have time to sign their own players before they get to the open market. One team trying to re-sign an important player is the Los Angeles Kings. This edition of NHL rumours deals one defenceman that the Kings would like to extend.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Los Angeles Kings Optimistic in Re-Signing Defenceman
Rumour: Eric Stephens of The Athletic recently gave an update on talks between the Kings and pending unrestricted free agent defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov.
A bit of news coming out of the Rob Blake presser is that he's "confident that something will get done" on Vladislav Gavrikov re-signing with the Kings. Gavrikov recently changed agents to Pat Brisson. Talks to continue but "it will be" something with significant term involved.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) March 7, 2025
Analysis: The Russian blueliner has become a massive part of the blueline group in Los Angeles since being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Gavrikov may not post a lot of points, but he’s a great lockdown defender and a staple of the Kings blueliner group.
The 29-year-old will be a UFA at the end of the season and is hoping to get an increase from his current $5.875 million cap hit. He inked a two-year contract in June 2023 as sort of a bridge deal. Some may think the two-year pact was a bit of a risk, but it seems that Gavrikov is going to cash in with the Kings or with another team should he hit the market.
Kings General Manager Rob Blake mentioned that he’s “confident something will get done” when it comes to a contract regarding Gavrikov. Talks are continuing, but Stephens mentions that a deal is likely to involve significant term.
Los Angeles is currently second in the Pacific Division and looks to be headed for another first-round showdown with the rival Edmonton Oilers. However, this could be the Kings best chance to finally break through.
What It Means
Stephens mentions that Gavrikov has recently switched agents. Gavrikov was with Dan Milstein, but has switched over to Pat Brisson. Agent changes are often hard to gauge when it comes to how a new contract will shake out.
We mentioned that Gavrikov is probably going to get a significantly longer deal than the last one he signed. The Yaroslavl, Russia native is also probable going to get an pay upgrade as well.
Los Angeles does have a number of their big-named players under contract at least through the next season. Gavrikov seems to be the big name that Blake wants to re-sign before the start of free agency. Only Andrei Kuzmenko, Tanner Jeannot and David Rittich are veteran UFAS that need new deals.
However, there is one big restricted free agent that Blake needs to nail down and that’s Alex Laferriere, who has really broken out this season. Getting him a new deal will also be a priority for Blake this off-season. However, Gavrikov will be at or near the top of the to-do list.
More must-reads:
- 25 great NHL teams that somehow didn't win the Stanley Cup
- Senators take major step toward new stadium
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Edmonton Goalie Leaves Oilers to Sign Overseas in the KHL
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Perhaps Superman Paul Skenes has found his kryptonite
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Jets QB Justin Fields had 'alarming' practice against Giants
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