Sign-and-Trade Collapse: Kings-Rangers Deal for Vladislav Gavrikov Fell Apart Just Before Free Agency…read more…
In a surprising revelation that underscores the volatile nature of NHL negotiations, a potential sign-and-trade deal involving defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers reportedly fell apart in the final hours before the start of free agency.
Sources close to both organizations confirmed that a framework had been in place for a deal that would have sent Gavrikov to the Rangers via a sign-and-trade, allowing New York to acquire the top-four defenseman without competing on the open market. However, complications around contract structure, player preferences, and timing ultimately derailed the agreement.
The Deal That Almost Was
Leading up to the free agency window on July 1, multiple teams had expressed interest in Gavrikov, a rugged, left-shot blueliner known for his defensive awareness and playoff poise. The 28-year-old was considered one of the top UFA defensemen available, drawing attention from contenders looking to bolster their back end.
According to league insiders, the Rangers had been in communication with the Kings for several days prior to the opening of free agency. The two teams reportedly reached a tentative agreement in principle that would have seen Los Angeles sign Gavrikov to a multi-year extension and then immediately trade him to New York in exchange for draft capital and potentially a mid-tier prospect.
The logic was simple: the Rangers, tight against the salary cap, were hoping to secure Gavrikov at a more favorable cap hit with a slightly longer term—something the Kings, as the incumbent team with negotiation rights, could facilitate. For the Kings, it was an opportunity to recoup assets for a player they weren’t sure they could re-sign anyway, especially after their aggressive offseason spending last summer.
What Went Wrong?
As often happens with these complex arrangements, the devil was in the details.
While the Kings and Rangers had agreed in principle on trade terms, the final stumbling block was Gavrikov himself. Multiple sources suggest that Gavrikov’s camp, led by agent Dan Milstein, had not finalized terms with either team when the window for early negotiations began. The defenseman reportedly had concerns about the length of the deal, no-movement clauses, and the potential role he would play in New York’s top four.
One source familiar with the negotiations explained: “Gavrikov liked the idea of playing for a contender like the Rangers, but he wasn’t comfortable locking himself into a situation where the fit wasn’t 100 percent clear. He wanted assurances about ice time, power play usage, and long-term vision. When those weren’t ironed out, things cooled.”
Another factor was timing. With the free-agent market set to open at noon Eastern on July 1, both teams were facing mounting pressure to finalize details. The Kings reportedly grew wary of holding onto Gavrikov without a signed extension in hand, especially as other free-agent defensemen began to draw attention across the league.
When it became clear that the final agreement wouldn’t materialize in time, the Kings pulled back from the trade framework, allowing Gavrikov to test the open market.
Aftermath and Fallout
Just hours later, the Kings made an unexpected pivot—choosing instead to re-sign Gavrikov themselves on a four-year, $22 million deal ($5.5 million AAV). The move surprised many analysts, who assumed Los Angeles would part ways with the defenseman due to cap pressures and the desire to reset their roster.
“We explored all options with Vlad and ultimately felt he was too valuable to let walk,” Kings GM Rob Blake said in a brief statement. “He’s a core part of our defensive identity and has shown he can elevate his game in key moments.”
Meanwhile, the Rangers, who had prioritized upgrading their left side behind Ryan Lindgren, were forced to look elsewhere. New York ultimately turned to more cost-effective depth options, signing veteran defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to a one-year deal and promoting prospect Zac Jones to a full-time NHL role for the upcoming season.
General Manager Chris Drury declined to comment directly on the failed Gavrikov deal but acknowledged the team had been “involved in several discussions that didn’t pan out as we hoped.”
League Reaction
Around the league, the failed sign-and-trade sparked conversations about the growing complexity of NHL negotiations in the salary cap era. Sign-and-trade deals are still relatively rare in the NHL compared to other leagues like the NBA, where they’ve become a staple of offseason maneuvering.
For a deal like this to work, all three parties—the two teams and the player—must be in sync. In this case, while the Kings and Rangers were aligned, Gavrikov’s hesitancy ultimately derailed the move.
“He had every right to be cautious,” one former NHL executive noted. “It’s a big commitment, and the wrong fit can derail a guy’s career. Sometimes walking away is the smarter play, even if it’s not the easiest.”
What’s Next for Gavrikov and the Teams?
Now back with the Kings, Gavrikov is expected to resume his role on the second defensive pairing alongside Matt Roy. The duo was a stabilizing presence last season and will be counted on heavily as Los Angeles continues its playoff push in a loaded Western Conference.
For the Rangers, the missed opportunity is a setback, but not a devastating one. The club remains deep on the blue line and is betting on internal development and health to carry the load.
However, some fans and pundits have voiced frustration at another instance of the team falling short in pursuit of a top target.
“Every offseason we hear about big swings,” wrote Larry Brooks of the New York Post. “But when the dust settles, we’re still waiting for that true impact addition.”
Final Thoughts
The Gavrikov sign-and-trade collapse is a cautionary tale for front offices navigating the tightrope of player rights, salary cap gymnastics, and free-agent timing. Deals of this complexity are becoming more common—but so too are the variables that can cause them to implode.
As for Gavrikov, he now returns to Los Angeles with a new deal, a reaffirmed role, and perhaps some lingering questions about what might have been had the stars aligned a little differently in the days leading up to July 1.
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📰 BLOCKED TRADE: Kings-Rangers sign-and-trade for Vladislav Gavrikov fell apart just before free agency. What went wrong — and what it means for both sides. #NHL #Gavrikov #LAKings #NYRangers #NHLFreeAgency
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