NHL Rumors: Golden Knights Interested in Blue Jackets Defenseman

Vladislav Gavrikov is currently one of the biggest defenseman rental candidates for this year‘s trade deadline. With the Columbus Blue Jackets struggling significantly this year, they are expected to move Gavrikov, as he has a pending UFA. According to Frank Seravalli, the Vegas Golden Knights could be one of the teams in play for his services.

After missing the playoffs last year, Vegas has bounced back beautifully in 2022-23, and they are looking like legitimate contenders. Yet, even with this being so, it would not hurt for them to add another defenseman to their group. The left side of their defensive group certainly could use a boost, and Gavrikov would provide just that if acquired.

While playing at his best, Gavrikov is a legitimate top-four defenseman who offers a nice blend of defensive stability and decent offensive production. This is exactly why so many teams are already being linked to him, but if the Golden Knights have their way, they will be the lucky club that ends up landing him before the deadline passes.