How Vladislav Gavrikov’s Unexpected Impact is Transforming the Rangers’ Game—and What It Means for Their Future

You know, sometimes it’s not about the flashiest highlight reel or the most jaw-dropping plays. Vladislav Gavrikov has brought the New York Rangers precisely what was expected — solid, dependable defense without the frills. When the Rangers locked him up with that hefty seven-year, $49 million contract over the summer, the hope was crystal clear: build a steadfast defensive backbone around him. 18 games in, and Gavrikov’s quietly been a powerhouse, knocking down all the defensive assignments while letting the flashier players shine up front. He covers the defensive zone like a seasoned pro, reads the game smartly, and rolls a physical style that makes opponents think twice.

Mike Sullivan’s handed Gavrikov some heavy lifting responsibilities — designed, no doubt, to ease the weight off the ever-offensive Adam Fox. More crucial minutes, more shorthanded time… Gavrikov’s taking the heat so Fox can make his mark offensively. Averaging over 22 minutes a game, he’s a rock on the ice with a team-leading plus/minus of +6 to back it up. And let me tell ya, his willingness to stand up for goalie Igor Shesterkin—remember that scrum against Tampa Bay?—speaks volumes about his grit and commitment to the team. Sullivan notices, the team notices, and so should we. The Rangers got their defensive fulcrum, plain and simple, and it’s about time Gavrikov’s efforts get the spotlight they merit.

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His game may not be flashy, but Vladislav Gavrikov has provided the New York Rangers with exactly what they brought him in for.

During the offseason, the Rangers signed Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract with the hopes he can blossom into the team’s defensive anchor.

Through 18 games, Gavrikov’s presence has been valuable for the Rangers.

The 29-year-old defenseman does so many of the little things that go unnoticed to the casual eye.

In his own zone, Gavrikov is defensively sound, always in the right positions while he plays a physical brand of hockey.

Mike Sullivan has also given Gavrikov important responsibilities. With Sullivan attempting to take a defensive load off of Adam Fox, more of that work goes onto Gavrikov’s plate.

He’s been playing a critical shorthanded role and he continues to take the defensive burden off of Fox, which allows him to engage more offensively.

Gavrikov is averaging 22:34 minutes, ranking second amongst all Ranger players in that category and he leads the team in plus/minus rating at +6.

Will Borgen Day-To-Day With Upper-Body Injury Will Borgen missed the New York Rangers’ practice on Friday, as he’s dealing with an apparent upper-body injury. 

If a player wants to get to Igor Shesterkin, they’ll have to get through Gavrikov. During the Rangers’ 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday afternoon, Scott Sabourin took a whack at Shesterkin and Gavrikov threw him to the ice in retaliation.

It’s those kinds of plays that catch the attention of Sullivan.

“For sure it does,” Sullivan said on if Gavrikov’s defending of Shesterkin caught his attention. “He’s a team guy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to help his teammates. I think that goes a long way with his teammates. It certainly goes a long way with his coaching staff.”

The Rangers added a defensive anchor with the addition of Gavrikov and his contributions to the team should surely not go unnoticed.