It was revealed yesterday but the likely cap hit to acquire pending free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov will fall around $7.5 million AAV for the New York Rangers.![]()
The Rangers are evaluating their plan to acquire several unrestricted free agents while improving the team through either trades or signings.
Gavrikov is who the Rangers need on their blueline
Many pundits around the league have expressed that the New York Rangers need to improve their defensive play especially in their own end.
Many felt that that issue was one of the lead causes of the Rangers downfall which led them to miss the playoffs after being anointed the President's trophy winner one year prior and went to the Eastern Conference Finals and lose to the Florida Panthers.
The 29-year-old defender who stands at 6 foot 3 and 220 lbs was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2015, sixth round 159th overall.
Gavrikov Is well known for his defensive play in his own end while still putting in several points throughout the year. This past season, he played all 82 games, scoring five goals with 25 assists for 30 points but was a + 26 which is music to the Rangers ears.
Rangers defense will look different next season
The Rangers currently have $13.1 million in cap space after the team manage to move the entire contract of Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks for a prospect and a swap of draft picks.
The Rangers currently have four key defensemen that are under contract who include Adam Fox, William Borgen, Carson Soucy and Braden Schneider. This defence core is simply not good enough and will likely see significant change as the Rangers are attempting to trade K'Andre Miller.
Adding Gavrikov would be a significant upgrade for the Rangers defence and at a price that would not stop them from adding more players to their roster as there are several unrestricted free agents on forward and on defence who could help.
Unrestricted free agency is set to open on July 1st where many will be watching to see if general manager Chris Drury will be able to land this prized free agent.
