Kings sign Gavrikov to 2-year deal with $5.875M AAV

The Los Angeles Kings re-signed pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a two-year extension with an average annual value of $5.875 million, the team announced.

The contract carries a full no-movement clause, and $10.2 million of the deal will be paid in signing bonuses, TSN's Chris Johnston reports. His base salary will be $775,000 each season, adds Johnston.

Gavrikov was acquired by the Kings at the deadline from the Columbus Blue Jackets and thrived during his time in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-3, 221-pound defender played a key shutdown role alongside Matt Roy down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The 27-year-old has posted strong defensive metrics over the past three seasons:

Gavrikov isn't known as a point producer, as his career high is only 33. But he flashed some offensive potential with the Kings, tallying three goals and six assists in 20 regular-season contests after the trade.

The Kings dealt fellow defenseman Sean Walker and goaltender Cal Petersen on Wednesday to help create the necessary cap space to bring back Gavrikov.

Los Angeles' blue line projects as follows for 2023-24:

Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, who joined Gavrikov in the trade that sent a first-round pick, a third-rounder, and Jonathan Quick to Columbus, is the Kings' biggest remaining UFA.

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