Vladislav Gavrikov
Vladislav Gavrikov would be a nice pick up for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Currently with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he’s now playing in his fourth year in the NHL. Prior to entering the league, the 27-year-old plied his trade in Russia with a pair of KHL teams and playing international hockey.
Gavrikov has been logging big minutes in Columbus. It’s a credit to his determination and hard work. There’s no question that he’s earned his spot. Gavrikov was not a top prospect heading into the 2015 NHL Entry Draft where the Blue Jackets selected him in the sixth-round, 159th overall. He’s worked his way not only onto the team but to their top pairing.
The 6-foot-3, 213 pound defenseman isn’t as well known as his teammate Erik Gudbranson (who was a first-round, third-overall pick in 2010), but unlikke Gudbranson, Gavrikov isn’t one of the NHL’s worst players.
Gavrikov has a $2.8 million cap hit in contrast to Gudbranson’s $4 million hit. However, it’s Gavrikov’s possession metrics which stand out more with a Corsi For rating of 43.8 at even strength compared to Gudbranson’s 40.5. Gavrikov is also more trusted in his own end.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs, Gavrikov would be insurance. He’s someone who can play with just about anyone, and with the uncertainty of what the blue line will look like come the post season, having a player with his versatility and ability to defend makes Gavrikov a valuable asset. Additionally, his cap hit is one that would be a lot easier for the Toronto Maple Leafs to manage than most big name players.