Los Angeles Kings Share Big Vladislav Gavrikov Free Agency Update

The Los Angeles Kings are preparing for the possibility of losing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to unrestricted free agency on July 1.

General manager Ken Holland confirmed Saturday that a deal is unlikely before the market opens.

Weve had continued conversations with his camp, Holland said .

But at this point, were not expecting a deal to get done before free agency opens.

That doesnt mean the Kings havent tried.

Holland revealed that the team has made multiple offers to retain the 29-year-old blue liner.

Los Angeles Kings Bracing for Vladislav Gavrikovs Departure as Free Agency Nears Support Our Fight To End Fall Weddings Rob Blake had made an offer, and I went beyond that offer, he said.

Were continuing to talk.

I made another offer, so well see.

Gavrikov is coming off a career-best season, logging over 23 minutes per game while posting 30 points and a +26 rating.

His steady two-way play and penalty-killing ability made him a key piece of the Kings top four.

However, league insiders believe the New York Rangers are a strong contender to land him if he departs.

Sportsnets Elliotte Friedman noted that Gavrikovs list of preferred destinations is short with New York at the top.

The door hasnt closed on Gavrikov in L.A., said ESPNs Emily Kaplan, but Ive heard a lot of rumors that he could go elsewhere to the Rangers to play with Adam Fox.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli , Gavrikov could command a seven-year deal worth nearly $8 million annually, a significant commitment for the Kings or any other suitor.

If Gavrikov walks, the Kings will be left with a significant hole on the blue line one made larger by Saturdays draft-day trade that sent young righty Jordan Spence to Ottawa.

Names like Ivan Provorov, Ryan Lindgren, and Dmitry Orlov are on the market but offer varying degrees of downgrade.

A possible sign-and-trade with the Rangers for KAndre Miller has been floated, though it would require tight cap maneuvering.

Either way, the Kings appear to be entering July 1 with uncertainty at two key defensive positions and limited time to fill them.

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