Rangers Target Defenseman Gavrikov

Chris Drury, the cautious general manager of the Rangers, didn’t hesitate when asked on Wednesday about the team’s decision to pursue Vladislav Gavrikov as free agency kicked off. “We’ve had our eye on Gavvy for quite some time. Watching him in Columbus and LA confirmed what we need for our defense,” Drury said, referring to the seven-year deal worth an average of $7 million per year for the 29-year-old, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds. “He’s a big, effective shutdown defenseman with elite skills.”

At first glance, it sounded pretty standard, but Drury’s deeper insights were more revealing.

“It begins with our defensive zone,” the GM emphasized. “Last year, our coverage, especially in high-danger areas, was subpar, and we can’t leave goalies like Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick hanging.”

Drury underscored the qualities Gavrikov brings: his size, reach, competitiveness, and ability to complement his defensive partners. “That’s why we’re thrilled to add him to our D-Corps.”

Meanwhile, the new head coach, Mike Sullivan, made it clear that prioritizing defense is crucial after last season’s struggles left them ranked low in the league.

Drury didn’t exactly confirm that Gavrikov would pair with Adam Fox on the top line, preferring not to dictate Sullivan’s lineup choices. However, they did invest significantly in Gavrikov, which might suggest that partnering him with Fox could be case closed for October.

On another note, Drury discussed the recent trades involving Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller. Miller was traded to Carolina, with the Rangers acquiring a first-round pick and defenseman Scott Morrow in the deal, while Kreider’s situation remains tied to salary cap challenges. “It was a great day for me and my family,” Miller said in a Zoom call after the trade. “It really changed everything for us.”

Drury indicated that while they value Miller as a young player, committing to him long-term wasn’t feasible at this time. “There’s a lot to navigate in these situations,” he mentioned, acknowledging that it might not always be easy to secure a long-term contract for a young talent.

When discussing Kreider’s transfer, Drury didn’t delve into specifics but emphasized gratitude for Kreider’s contributions, describing him as a legend with a lasting impact on the franchise.

The Rangers currently have about $1.5 million in cap space, along with a 22-player shadow roster, including a new winger who signed a two-year deal after a stint in Washington. He’ll be competing for a spot with younger prospects.

As for the defensive lineup, it’s a work in progress as they decide how to position players like Braden Schneider and Will Borgen, among others. There’s also the consideration of Mika Zibanejad’s placement, which could significantly alter the lineup dynamics depending on where he plays.

With limited cap space, significant roster changes might be unlikely. As Drury put it, “What you see is what you get, and it all starts from the back end, no matter how the lineup shakes out.”