"Vlad Gavrikov may be adjusting to a new coach, a new team, and a new city, but he is far from starting over. He already has connections to Artemi Panarin, with whom he has a longstanding friendship from their time playing together internationally, and to Igor Shesterkin, whom he has known since their teenage years in Russia. These relationships will help ease his transition into the Rangers' locker room. However, what matters most is his performance on the ice, where his impact could be significant."
"The Rangers signed Vlad Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract this summer, making him a central figure in their defensive overhaul. With longtime players like Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, and K'Andre Miller leaving, Chris Drury targeted the 29-year-old as the stabilizer the defense desperately needed. Only Adam Fox and Braden Schneider remain from the Rangers' run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2024, and Gavrikov is expected to be a cornerstone of the new core."
Vlad Gavrikov joins the New York Rangers on a seven-year, $49 million contract and is expected to anchor the rebuilt defense. He has longstanding relationships with Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin that will ease locker-room integration. Last season with the Los Angeles Kings he averaged over 23 minutes per game, scored 30 points, and led the team with 140 blocked shots. Advanced metrics show the Kings allowed fewer shots, scoring chances, and expected goals at five-on-five with him on the ice despite heavy defensive-zone responsibilities. Shot-location maps show he reduced slot and high-danger chances and excelled on the penalty kill.
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