LA Kings Near Record $8.5M Contract for Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov

Vladislav Gavrikov's standout performance in the 2024-25 NHL season has positioned him for a significant contract renewal, with the Los Angeles Kings eager to re-sign their top defenseman before free agency opens on July 1. Reports suggest the Kings are prepared to offer Gavrikov a max-term deal with an average annual value around $8.5 million, reflecting his elevated status but also raising questions about the sustainability of his contract-year performance. The rising NHL salary cap, expected to reach $113.5 million by the 2027-28 season, makes such a contract more manageable for the Kings, who currently have over $21 million in cap space. If re-signed, Gavrikov's presence would solidify the Kings' defense and potentially free them to pursue other star players like Mitch Marner. However, if negotiations fail, the Kings would need to explore alternatives such as unrestricted free agents Ivan Provorov, though matching Gavrikov's production and cost remains challenging. Additionally, other teams like the New York Rangers could enter the bidding if Gavrikov hits free agency, highlighting the urgency for the Kings to secure his contract promptly.