NHL Insider Peter Baugh gave us some insight into the latest news with the Rangers and the hunt for a left-handed defenseman. According to The Athletic Writer, interest remains in the Kings defenseman, and they will be on the lookout when, and if, he hits free agency on July 1st.
The New York Rangers need to bolster their defense by the beginning of the fall. Last season, the team failed to deliver on their mandate to head to the Stanley Cup playoffs; once pegged as contenders, they were no better than pretenders.
They ended the season with a +1 goal differential in the NHL, with a 5th place finish in the Metro, not good enough for a Wild Card spot in the East.
So, GM Chris Drury has to address the issue at hand, which is: defense. Drury has explicitly stated that the team will go through a retooling, and a reshaping of the blueline will occur.
«Very good defensive player,» said one league scout who has seen a lot of Gavrikov's play. «Quiets everything and shuts down plays.»
To do that, you'll have to increase your available cash and pilfer your assets just in case you might have to trade. For pending UFA Vladislav Gavrikov, who could be the next Blueshirt, all Drury needs is cap space.
As it stands now, the Rangers have extended Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe, while they've traded away Chris Kreider. That gives them a total of $12.19 million in cap space, which should be enough to sign Gavrikov. TSN's Frankie Corrado thinks he could earn up to $7.5 million in free agency.
Which the Rangers could swing, as the defenseman has put up a career high of 30 points this season, playing 23 TOI, and played alongside Drew Doughty.
He's a perfect replacement for whatever comes the Rangers' way should they trade K'Andre Miller.
However, GM Ken Holland did attempt to extend Gavrikov already, but it appears Gavrikov may not be picking up the phone.
