Columbus Blue Jackets Rumours: Gavrikov's Deal Is Done Pending Another Transaction

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets have a trade in place for their defencemen Vladislav Gavrikov, however, another deal needs to be done before his trade can be completed.

#CBJ reportedly have a trade in place for Vladislav Gavrikov but it requires another transaction to happen first, per @Aportzline.
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) February 19, 2023

Elliotte Freidman reported on Hockey Night in Canada's 32 Thoughts segment that the Boston Bruins are in on Gavrikov. But mentioned the Bruins need to work the cap to make the trade work. Now that Portzline has reported a similar rumour, all eyes are on the Bruins as the front-runner.

Gavrikov, 27, has missed three consecutive games due to "trade-related reasons", and it finally looks like the end is near he will be joining a new team soon. Other teams have also been checking in on him, like the Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other playoff teams.

The Blue Jackets are currently tied with the Chicago Blackhawks for 31st in the NHL. After a terrible season, they are expected to sell off some assets for draft capital to strengthen their team through the coming drafts. They should be able to fetch at least one first-round pick and other assets from Gavrikov, as well as another pick or prospect. Columbus holds one of the most wanted defencemen ahead of the NHL trade deadline, behind only Jacob Chychrun, who is also sitting out for trade-related reasons.

Gavrikov is a pending UFA at the season's end and has a cap hit of $2.8 million. There was talk that the teams that are interested in him, would have permission to talk to his agent about an extension. Only time will tell if he does get an extension, but for now, we focus on the pending deal.