New York Rangers Latest Defensive Addition Proves To Be A Better Option Than K'Andre Miller: Here's Why
Photo credit: Talia Sprague-imagn images
The New York Rangers signed Vladislav Gavrikov during the postseason and are poised to take a top-four role in the team's defense core. In what could be considered an addition by subtraction scenario, the swap of Gavrikov for K'Andre Miller may be one of GM Chris Drury's wisest moves yet.
The New York Rangers would trade K'Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes. In exchange, they'd receive Scott Morrow and 2 draft picks.
A move that will not only help them in the future, but also give them assets to trade with in the future. Not only that it allow them to sign one of the top defensive veterans during the postseason: Vladislav Gavrikov.
Gavrikov would ultimately save the Rangers some dough:
Shortly after signing Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract, the Rangers traded K'Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes, who ultimately signed an eight-year, $60 million contract.
While Miller could've been the Rangers' top-four defenseman in the future, he hasn't been trending that way for some time.
While acquiring Gavrikov has been a coup for GM Chris Drury, as he finally gets to stabilize the top-pair in New York.
What GM Chris Drury Likes About Vladislav Gavrikov
«We've liked Gavvy for a long time, watching him play for Columbus and LA and the attributes he's going to bring to our D-corps for many years to come have us very excited,» Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said.
While Miller brings more to the table offensively, Gavrikov has a well-rounded game and could be a linchpin in the Rangers' future Stanley Cup hopes.
The veteran will be able to shelter Fox, allowing him to work the ice in his skillful manner and create offense. Along with providing a solid defensive game, something the team has been missing for some time.
For this point in time, the $49 million veteran will be exactly what the team needs, in win-now mode.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 21 | 63 ANSWERS New York Rangers Latest Defensive Addition Proves To Be A Better Option Than K'Andre Miller: Here's Why Do you think GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers made the right decision by signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov? | ||
| Yes | 58 | 92.1 % |
| No | 5 | 7.9 % |
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