The Los Angeles Kings lost one of their key players to the open market this offseason. Despite their efforts to try and bring him back, Vladislav Gavrikov decided to sign a long-term deal with the New York Rangers.
In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman revealed the Kings and Rangers almost pulled off a sign-and-trade that fell apart before free agency opened, and instead of the Kings getting something back, they lost Gavrikov for nothing.
#NYR have agreed to terms with defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year contract.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2025
Welcome to New York, Vladislav! pic.twitter.com/kaawGy4Xnb
Friedman didn't seem to reveal what that sign-and-trade would've looked like, but comparing it to what happened with Mitchell Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs, as he was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Nicolas Roy, the Kings likely would've only received a depth player or a draft pick from the Rangers.
Either way, the Kings lost Gavrikov and will have to move forward into next season. They tried to fill out their defensive depth with the money they had this summer, and time will tell if it pays off.
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