The Los Angeles Kings announced on Wednesday that they have signed veteran defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a two-year extension. Gavrikov was previously set to enter the unrestricted free agency in the summer.
According to the Kings, Gavrikov’s new deal comes with an average annual salary of $5.875 million and a total value of $11.75 million. It will keep him with the franchise throughout the 2024-25 NHL season and gives the 27-year-old player a no-movement clause.
Gavrikov joined the Kings midway through the 2022-23 campaign in a trade that sent the legendary goalie Jonathan Quick to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Gavrikov finished the season with six goals and 13 assists combined.
Despite not bringing much on the offensive end, Gavrikov has a reputation for being a stout defender. This would make him one of the most-coveted free-agent defensemen in free agency, explaining why the Kings decided to lock him to a deal as soon as they did.
Vladislav Gavrikov signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets in 2019 after playing his early professional career in his native Russia. Since then, Gavrikov has played 222 games in NHL, scoring 16 goals and dishing 33 assists for a total of 49 points.
