NHL Insider and hockey analyst has just revealed shocking news of a failed trade surrounding the New York Rangers newest defensive acquisition, Vladislav Gavrikov.![Vladislav Gavrikov]()
According to Peter Baugh of The Athletic, Vladislav Gavrikov wasn't only entertaining offers from the New York Rangers. But he was actively testing the market, and could've ended up in Sunrise, with the Florida Panthers, the Rangers Conference Rivals.
While this news is unsettling, given how great of a GM Bill Zito is, even with the Columbus Blue Jackets connection, thankfully the Panthers didn't have the cap space to meet Gavrikov's demands.
Leaving the New York Rangers to win the Gavrikov's sweepstakes after the Los Angeles Kings failed to secure him to a new deal by July 1st.
Vladislav Gavrikov on the Panthers would have been a nightmare
Just imagine how much deadlier the Florida Panthers' blueline would've been with a seasoned veteran like Gavrikov anywhere in that core group.
It's safe to say that we are fortunate that the sign-and-trade fell through, as the Rangers didn't have to give up any future assets to acquire the former Blue Jackets and Kings defenseman.
In 82 games played with the Kings, he scored 30 points (5-25) and was a regular partner with Drew Doughty in the top-four of the team's defensive group.
Now the Rangers' blueline looks a little more solid thanks to a solid acquisition by GM Chris Drury. Something that doesn't happen to often.
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