Blue Jackets Sign Gavrikov to Healthy Extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Vladislav Gavrikov have come to terms on a three-year deal that pays the Russian defenseman, $2.8 million per season to stay in Ohio.

Columbus #BlueJackets cap update:

After signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a 3 year deal with an AAV of $2,800,000, we now show Columbus with $9,225,875 in projected cap space.

Roster: 22 (13F-7D-2G)

Unsigned RFA's remaining (1):
F Pierre-Luc Duboishttps://t.co/f2kf2oYyVq pic.twitter.com/xJNiUnA8Lx
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) November 5, 2020

The rookie defenseman was one of the big reasons the Blue Jackets deal Ryan Murray out of Columbus as Gavrikov was solid in his first year in the show. He finished with 18 points in 69 games and three more points in the playoffs.

His poise, lateral coverage, active stick, and quick feet and some of the reasons the Blue Jackets love him.

Vladislav Gavrikov, signed 3x$2.8M, was superb in his first season with the Jackets, especially defensively at both even strength and on the penalty kill. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Ht19CBteoj
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) November 5, 2020

Gavrikov, 24, was a 6th round selection in 2015, and it appears the team has turned the pick into great value for the future.

The Blue Jackets still have lots of cap space and are looking to upgrade their offense. Keep an eye on them as there's been rumblings they may have another signing to announce soon....