Report: LA Kings Not In Rush To Extend Gavrikov

Since arriving at the trade deadline in 2023, Vladislav Gavrikov has established himself as a solid top-four defenseman on the Los Angeles Kings blueline. But he's currently in the final season of his two-year, $5.875 AAV deal. So what are the Kings doing about a possible extension for the 28-year-old?

Nothing at this point, according to Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.

One note from LAK GM Rob Blake avail:

- Nothing cooking on extension for D Vlad Gavrikov, basically wait-and-see how season develops. Similar to Matt Roy walk year at this point.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) October 10, 2024

Kings GM Rob Blake indicated that they're taking a "wait and see" approach to see how things play out this season. No negotiations ongoing at this point. Kings fans, of course, might have deja vu thinking about what happened with another key D-man Matt Roy last year at this time. Same situation, and they lost him in free agency this past summer to the Washington Capitals, not interested in topping the $5.75 million AAV he got in D.C.

Bernstein wonders, similarly, if the Kings would be interested in going $6 million+ on Gavrikov going forward, at the same age, essentially, as Roy. Hence, the "wait and see" perspective. But as one fan pointed out:

So basically our board is rooting for the guy to have a bad season and thus not be valued and only in this way will he remain here next year.
— Central LA Kings (@lakings_br) October 10, 2024

Gavrikov, in his 97 games with the Kings, has posted an admirable plus/minus rating of +21 while collecting 32 points, being counted on for 20:42 of ice time a night. He previously spent 3½ seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets after being selected by them in the 6th round in the 2015 NHL Draft.