NHL Rumors: Minnesota Wild Linked to Blue Jackets Defenseman

Due to an atrocious year for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Vladislav Gavrikov has emerged as one of this year’s top trade candidates for defensemen. His pending UFA status mixed with Columbus’ struggles makes a trade seem inevitable, and several teams will want to land him because of his reliable defensive play. According to The Fourth Period, the Minnesota Wild are in the mix.

Minnesota would certainly benefit from adding another defenseman to their group before the deadline passes. The left side of their defensive group is not particularly strong, but Gavrikov would certainly provide it with a solid jolt. After all, he is capable of playing top-four minutes, plays a very steady defensive game, and can chip in offensively. Naturally, this makes him a very appealing target for a playoff team like Minnesota.

Time will tell if the Wild end up landing Gavrikov, but it is clear that they will have a ton of competition for his services from here.