Elliotte Friedman reveals failed trade between the Rangers and Kings moments before free agency
Photo credit: NHL.com
According to The Hockey News, Remy Mastey, the Vladislav Gavrikov trade could've gone much, much differently. The two teams were already discussing a sign-and-trade for the top-four defenseman before free agency hit, and it appears Ken Holland fumbled.
While the New York Rangers did end up signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a 7-year, $49 million deal in free agency, a deal almost happened beforehand.
The two sides were discussing a trade where the Rangers might have had to part ways with significant assets, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reports.
«With Gavrikov, they tried to do a sign-and-trade with the Rangers,» Friedman said. «It fell apart, it obviously didn't happen. It makes me wonder if LA ever had a chance to re-sign him or if he was just determined to go to the Rangers.»
The Rangers were, of course, the team linked to Gavrikov ahead of free agency, and despite discussions with the Kings regarding a contract extension, he tested free agency instead.
Resulting in Gavrikov being locked into the Rangers' lineup long-term. Instead of signing for more money in Los Angeles, he opted to take a pay cut to play in New York.
That says a lot about what he believes the Rangers are capable of.
The 29-year-old defenseman could play on the top four and would be an upgrade as Adam Fox's partner on the left side.
This will be Gavrikov's third NHL team he's played for since his career started in the Metropolitan Division with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In 82 games this season, he scored a total of 30 points (5-25) and played an ATOI of 23:05 with the Kings.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 7 | 497 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman reveals failed trade between the Rangers and Kings moments before free agency Do you think the New York Rangers signed defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov as an overpay? Or would you rather have traded for him? | ||
| Trade | 92 | 18.5 % |
| Sign | 314 | 63.2 % |
| Overpay | 91 | 18.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
