Blue Jackets scratch Gavrikov for trade-related reasons

The Columbus Blue Jackets made defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov a healthy scratch Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils for trade-related reasons.

A deal isn't imminent, but the Blue Jackets are playing it safe as they gauge the market, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Gavrikov said he knows "literally nothing" about the details surrounding his future.

"It's hard waking up and (trying to) figure this out," he said, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "I try not to think about it. Try to be busy and do something, because it's gotta be in your head, and the guys are wondering. ... We'll see what's happening. Hopefully, the guys can get two points for us tonight."

Gavrikov has been rumored to be on the block all season. The stay-at-home rearguard is expected to generate plenty of interest from contenders as a pending unrestricted free agent with a manageable $2.8-million cap hit.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire four-year career with the Blue Jackets. He registered 10 points this season while averaging more than 22 minutes per night.

Columbus, currently last in the NHL, is expected to sell as many assets as it can before the March 3 deadline.

Gavrikov is the second player over the past week to be held out for trade precautions, joining Arizona Coyotes star Jakob Chychrun.

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