Latest news with #Gavrikov
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL trade rumor: NHL Insider claims Vladislav Gavrikov is going to New York, in a shocking early Free Agency twist
Vladislav Gavrikov #84 of the Los Angeles Kings (Credit: Getty Images) The NHL 's free agency window doesn't officially open until July 1, but that hasn't stopped rumors from dominating headlines. The latest involves Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who, according to Elliotte Friedman, has already made his decision. And it's a big one. It's a twist that few saw coming. Gavrikov, a key presence on the Kings' blue line, had largely flown under the radar this offseason. With most speculation focused on flashier names, his quiet status may have been a strategic move. While other free agents have been busy entertaining offers, Gavrikov appears to have acted early and decisively. Vladislav Gavrikov Highlights New York Rangers fill blue line need with Gavrikov If the reports are true, the Rangers may finally be addressing a long-standing concern, defensive depth. Vladislav Gavrikov brings exactly the kind of physical, stabilizing presence New York lacked during their 2024 playoff run. While the contract details remain unclear, the fit seems logical. Gavrikov plays a smart, positional game. He's defensively responsible, logs big minutes, and won't shy away from physical matchups. That's precisely what New York has needed to complement their offensively skilled back end. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Arvonnassa joululoma Berliiniin kahdelle Lue lisää Undo The Los Angeles Kings are set to lose a key defenseman On the flip side, this news is a tough blow for the Los Angeles Kings. Gavrikov had been one of their most reliable defensive players since arriving from Columbus. Letting him walk without a known replacement only raises more questions for a Kings roster that's still in the middle of a competitive push. Whether Los Angeles underestimated his market value or couldn't match the Rangers' offer, the outcome is a significant loss for the Kings' blue line. Free agency may be a week away, but the Vladislav Gavrikov sweepstakes might already be over. And if Friedman's sources are right, the New York Rangers are walking away with one of the biggest steals before the bidding even begins. Also Read: The NHL rumor depicts that the Philadelphia Flyers are showing strong interest in Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka if the asking price is right For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Six Pending NHL Free Agents Who Helped Their Case This Season
NHL free agency is almost one month away, and speculation about who will get notable raises on their next contract will only increase from here. While free agents have a chance to get a better deal on their next contract, that's not always the case, depending on their age or performance. But having an excellent season certainly helps the player's case in any situation. Here are six pending UFAs who helped their case for a better contract than expected this off-season. In a thin market for NHL defensemen, Gavrikov stands out as one of the most proven blueliners out there. After another disappointing season for the Kings, which lost in the first round of the playoffs again, the team has a new GM in Ken Holland. Whether Gavrikov fits Holland's new plan remains to be seen, but the defenseman is proving his worth as a shutdown guy. The 29-year-old averaged 23:05 of ice time for the Kings in 82 games, and he led the squad with 140 blocked shots. He's also a workhorse, playing at least 72 games in each of the past four seasons. Gavrikov earned $5.875 million in each of the past two seasons with Los Angeles, but the big-bodied Russian will almost assuredly get a raise on a long-term contract. Could he return to the Columbus Blue Jackets? Stranger things have happened. But regardless, Gavrikov is in his prime, and he's going to be paid like a top-four blueliner no matter where he winds up playing. Kuzmenko was a bust in his time with the Calgary Flames this season, posting only four goals and 15 points in 37 games. Making matters worse was his high-end salary of $5.5 million, so Calgary was happy to unload his contract to the Philadelphia Flyers. But after only seven games with Philly, Kuzmenko was flipped to the Kings. He resuscitated his career after joining the Kings by putting up 12 assists and 17 points in 22 games. Some teams could hesitate to give Kuzmenko a long-term contract. But on a show-me, don't-tell-me contract extension, the 29-year-old will likely get a lot closer to this year's cap hit than what it would've been had he stayed on the Flames. Remember, it was only in 2022-23 when he had 39 goals and 74 points in a single-season with the Vancouver Canucks, so there will be teams out there hoping to get 25 to 30 goals out of him – and that will drive up his asking price significantly. At 34 years old, Palmieri's prime years are behind him. But in the past two 82-game seasons with the New York Islanders, Palmieri has combined to generate 54 goals and 102 points – very good numbers on a relatively subpar offensive Isles team and for someone earning $5 million per season. Palmieri won't get a long-term contract from any team. But he could pick his spot, earn about as much money, if not a little bit more than he made on Long Island, and put himself in a place to go much further than the Islanders will probably be able to go next season. Health has been a concern for him in the past, but so long as he's a regular in the lineup, Palmieri can put up 25 goals and be a solid secondary scoring option for a team with serious playoff hopes. Everyone and their crazy uncle knew going into this season that Tavares would be facing a giant pay cut at the end of the year. But what many didn't count on was that Tavares would put up 38 goals – his best goal total since 2018-19, when he potted 47 goals in his first year as a Maple Leaf. To justify his $11-million salary, the 34-year-old would've had to score 60 and produce at least 100 points. So absolutely, he's still going to be making much less if he wants to return to Toronto for the rest of his career. That said, the Leafs do have enough cap space to accommodate RFA left winger Matthew Knies and keep Tavares around. The question is how much Tavares will leave on the table to remain a Maple Leaf. Would a salary between $5 million to $7 million be fair for him? It definitely would, especially if the term is limited to two or three seasons. Tavares still has something to contribute to a Toronto team with lofty playoff aspirations, but if he wants to give the Leafs more money to deepen the lineup around superstar forwards William Nylander and Auston Matthews, Tavares will have to take a team-friendly hometown discount. Judging from his comments after the season ended, Tavares seems prepared to do that, but he likely deserves more money than any expected pay cut. Provorov has never been able to match or better his 17-goal, 41-point season he had for Philadelphia in 2017-18. But the 28-year-old still had seven goals and 33 points for the Blue Jackets this season, and his ability to be a minute-muncher, averaging 23:21 of ice time for Columbus this year, means he'll likely get a raise on the $6.75-million cap hit he's made for the past six seasons. Provorov hasn't turned into a Norris Trophy candidate the way some thought he might, but again, we're talking about a market for D-men that is definitely thin. Teams seeking a top-four blueliner who lose out on the Gavrikov sweepstakes will be intrigued by Provorov. He could be handsomely compensated on a five- or six-year extension. For a couple of years, Roslovic's career was on the rise, as he had 22 goals and 45 points for Columbus in 2021-22. But he had issues staying healthy of late – that is, until this year, when he netted 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games with the Hurricanes. The 28-year-old hasn't been particularly effective in the playoffs for the Hurricanes this spring, posting only three assists and four points in nine playoff games. But his salary of $2.8 million makes him one of the better bargains in the NHL this season, and he should get considerably more than that on his next contract. Roslovic won't break the bank on his next deal, but teams aiming to help their secondary scoring could do much worse than signing Roslovic to a three- or four-year extension. Another team could offer him more playing time – Columbus has played him an average of only 13:42 in the playoffs thus far this spring – and Roslovic's production could spike as a result. In any case, there's no way he doesn't get a raise. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on
San Francisco Chronicle
22-04-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Andrei Kuzmenko's late-season contributions to the LA Kings got even bigger in his playoff debut
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Andrei Kuzmenko's Stanley Cup playoff debut went superbly, just like the rest of his entire charmed tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. The Russian forward contributed a goal and two assists in the Kings' 6-5 win over Edmonton on Monday night. Everybody on the ice knew he was there — both because he's playing outstanding hockey for LA and because he talks all the time. Kuzmenko doesn't chirp opponents much, but he's constantly communicating with the coaching staff and with his linemates, captain Anze Kopitar and leading scorer Adrian Kempe. 'He's such a unique guy, and he loves hockey,' Los Angeles coach Jim Hiller said Tuesday. 'This is what I love about him. Kopi and (Kempe) would know best. He can't stop talking about hockey. He's got a new play for every situation. It's the greatest. For the people who are hockey-mad and think about it 24/7, it's just really interesting to see. And it all makes sense. It's not all possible at every moment, but it all makes sense, and you just love to see the passion for it. "I've said it 100 times — what an addition to our team.' Kuzmenko has indeed been a standout addition to the second-seeded Kings, who only acquired the 29-year-old KHL veteran from Philadelphia on March 7. Kuzmenko went scoreless in his first seven games after joining his fourth team in 16 months, but he scored 17 points for Los Angeles in the following 15 games while seizing roles as the top-line left wing and a key contributor to a power play that is no longer awful. Kuzmenko debuted with the Kings less than seven weeks ago, and he's already a key factor in their hopes of ending Edmonton's streak of three straight first-round series victories over Los Angeles. 'I was so excited,' Kuzmenko said of his first playoff experience. 'An electric atmosphere. I'm happy to play in the playoffs. Before the NHL, I played in the playoffs in Russia, and I liked it. It's an amazing time for everybody. But now in the NHL, it's another level above. When 20,000 people support you, it's an amazing time.' Game 2 is Wednesday night. Kuzmenko has a passion for hockey, but it's directed toward his own game. He didn't really have a hockey hero growing up because he didn't pay attention to the world's top leagues — and he still doesn't. 'I don't watch hockey,' Kuzmenko said. 'I just work. This is my work.' He acknowledged that veteran Alexander Radulov influenced him greatly as a teenager when they played together for CSKA Moscow. He also has a longtime friendship with Vladislav Gavrikov, the Kings defenseman who also seized a prominent role this season. Gavrikov and Kuzmenko were teammates in St. Petersburg for one season before Gavrikov moved to the NHL in 2019. They've also played together on Russia's national team. 'He's been good for us since Day One when he first got here at the trade deadline,' Gavrikov said. 'He made a huge impact, I would say. He's been asking me how it's going to be in the playoffs, so I just told him, 'Do your thing, and just be ready physically and mentally.' I think he showed up prepared to play.' Kuzmenko was an offensive star who wasn't usually asked to play much defense or do much backchecking in the KHL, but anybody who plays on Kopitar's line must embrace the two-time Selke Trophy winner's two-way style. With patient instruction and a few glares from Kopitar, Kuzmenko has become a responsible two-way player while still creating and contributing to LA's offense. That's exactly what he did in his playoff debut: Kuzmenko tipped home a power-play goal in the opening minutes, and he picked up two more assists while being around the puck regularly. He joined current Kings broadcaster Daryl Evans as the only players in franchise history to score three points in their playoff debuts. Kuzmenko has multiple reasons to play at his peak this spring: He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, right when the salary cap takes a jump. Every standout game increases his chances at a big payday for his fourth NHL season — but first, he hopes to finish this year with a big playoff run. 'I think about how I can play better, because I want to help this team, because this team believed in me,' Kuzmenko said. 'I want to help each shift. How can I (do) this better? I want everything to get a little bit better for me.' ___
Associated Press
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Andrei Kuzmenko's late-season contributions to the LA Kings got even bigger in his playoff debut
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Andrei Kuzmenko's Stanley Cup playoff debut went superbly, just like the rest of his entire charmed tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. The Russian forward contributed a goal and two assists in the Kings' 6-5 win over Edmonton on Monday night. Everybody on the ice knew he was there — both because he's playing outstanding hockey for LA and because he talks all the time. Kuzmenko doesn't chirp opponents much, but he's constantly communicating with the coaching staff and with his linemates, captain Anze Kopitar and leading scorer Adrian Kempe. 'He's such a unique guy, and he loves hockey,' Los Angeles coach Jim Hiller said Tuesday. 'This is what I love about him. Kopi and (Kempe) would know best. He can't stop talking about hockey. He's got a new play for every situation. It's the greatest. For the people who are hockey-mad and think about it 24/7, it's just really interesting to see. And it all makes sense. It's not all possible at every moment, but it all makes sense, and you just love to see the passion for it. 'I've said it 100 times — what an addition to our team.' Kuzmenko has indeed been a standout addition to the second-seeded Kings, who only acquired the 29-year-old KHL veteran from Philadelphia on March 7. Kuzmenko went scoreless in his first seven games after joining his fourth team in 16 months, but he scored 17 points for Los Angeles in the following 15 games while seizing roles as the top-line left wing and a key contributor to a power play that is no longer awful. Kuzmenko debuted with the Kings less than seven weeks ago, and he's already a key factor in their hopes of ending Edmonton's streak of three straight first-round series victories over Los Angeles. 'I was so excited,' Kuzmenko said of his first playoff experience. 'An electric atmosphere. I'm happy to play in the playoffs. Before the NHL, I played in the playoffs in Russia, and I liked it. It's an amazing time for everybody. But now in the NHL, it's another level above. When 20,000 people support you, it's an amazing time.' Game 2 is Wednesday night. Kuzmenko has a passion for hockey, but it's directed toward his own game. He didn't really have a hockey hero growing up because he didn't pay attention to the world's top leagues — and he still doesn't. 'I don't watch hockey,' Kuzmenko said. 'I just work. This is my work.' He acknowledged that veteran Alexander Radulov influenced him greatly as a teenager when they played together for CSKA Moscow. He also has a longtime friendship with Vladislav Gavrikov, the Kings defenseman who also seized a prominent role this season. Gavrikov and Kuzmenko were teammates in St. Petersburg for one season before Gavrikov moved to the NHL in 2019. They've also played together on Russia's national team. 'He's been good for us since Day One when he first got here at the trade deadline,' Gavrikov said. 'He made a huge impact, I would say. He's been asking me how it's going to be in the playoffs, so I just told him, 'Do your thing, and just be ready physically and mentally.' I think he showed up prepared to play.' Kuzmenko was an offensive star who wasn't usually asked to play much defense or do much backchecking in the KHL, but anybody who plays on Kopitar's line must embrace the two-time Selke Trophy winner's two-way style. With patient instruction and a few glares from Kopitar, Kuzmenko has become a responsible two-way player while still creating and contributing to LA's offense. That's exactly what he did in his playoff debut: Kuzmenko tipped home a power-play goal in the opening minutes, and he picked up two more assists while being around the puck regularly. He joined current Kings broadcaster Daryl Evans as the only players in franchise history to score three points in their playoff debuts. Kuzmenko has multiple reasons to play at his peak this spring: He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, right when the salary cap takes a jump. Every standout game increases his chances at a big payday for his fourth NHL season — but first, he hopes to finish this year with a big playoff run. 'I think about how I can play better, because I want to help this team, because this team believed in me,' Kuzmenko said. 'I want to help each shift. How can I (do) this better? I want everything to get a little bit better for me.' ___ AP NHL:
Fox Sports
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Andrei Kuzmenko's late-season contributions to the LA Kings got even bigger in his playoff debut
Associated Press EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Andrei Kuzmenko's Stanley Cup playoff debut went superbly, just like the rest of his entire charmed tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. The Russian forward contributed a goal and two assists in the Kings' 6-5 win over Edmonton on Monday night. Everybody on the ice knew he was there — both because he's playing outstanding hockey for LA and because he talks all the time. Kuzmenko doesn't chirp opponents much, but he's constantly communicating with the coaching staff and with his linemates, captain Anze Kopitar and leading scorer Adrian Kempe. 'He's such a unique guy, and he loves hockey,' Los Angeles coach Jim Hiller said Tuesday. 'This is what I love about him. Kopi and (Kempe) would know best. He can't stop talking about hockey. He's got a new play for every situation. It's the greatest. For the people who are hockey-mad and think about it 24/7, it's just really interesting to see. And it all makes sense. It's not all possible at every moment, but it all makes sense, and you just love to see the passion for it. "I've said it 100 times — what an addition to our team.' Kuzmenko has indeed been a standout addition to the second-seeded Kings, who only acquired the 29-year-old KHL veteran from Philadelphia on March 7. Kuzmenko went scoreless in his first seven games after joining his fourth team in 16 months, but he scored 17 points for Los Angeles in the following 15 games while seizing roles as the top-line left wing and a key contributor to a power play that is no longer awful. Kuzmenko debuted with the Kings less than seven weeks ago, and he's already a key factor in their hopes of ending Edmonton's streak of three straight first-round series victories over Los Angeles. 'I was so excited,' Kuzmenko said of his first playoff experience. 'An electric atmosphere. I'm happy to play in the playoffs. Before the NHL, I played in the playoffs in Russia, and I liked it. It's an amazing time for everybody. But now in the NHL, it's another level above. When 20,000 people support you, it's an amazing time.' Game 2 is Wednesday night. Kuzmenko has a passion for hockey, but it's directed toward his own game. He didn't really have a hockey hero growing up because he didn't pay attention to the world's top leagues — and he still doesn't. 'I don't watch hockey,' Kuzmenko said. 'I just work. This is my work.' He acknowledged that veteran Alexander Radulov influenced him greatly as a teenager when they played together for CSKA Moscow. He also has a longtime friendship with Vladislav Gavrikov, the Kings defenseman who also seized a prominent role this season. Gavrikov and Kuzmenko were teammates in St. Petersburg for one season before Gavrikov moved to the NHL in 2019. They've also played together on Russia's national team. 'He's been good for us since Day One when he first got here at the trade deadline,' Gavrikov said. 'He made a huge impact, I would say. He's been asking me how it's going to be in the playoffs, so I just told him, 'Do your thing, and just be ready physically and mentally.' I think he showed up prepared to play.' Kuzmenko was an offensive star who wasn't usually asked to play much defense or do much backchecking in the KHL, but anybody who plays on Kopitar's line must embrace the two-time Selke Trophy winner's two-way style. With patient instruction and a few glares from Kopitar, Kuzmenko has become a responsible two-way player while still creating and contributing to LA's offense. That's exactly what he did in his playoff debut: Kuzmenko tipped home a power-play goal in the opening minutes, and he picked up two more assists while being around the puck regularly. He joined current Kings broadcaster Daryl Evans as the only players in franchise history to score three points in their playoff debuts. Kuzmenko has multiple reasons to play at his peak this spring: He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, right when the salary cap takes a jump. Every standout game increases his chances at a big payday for his fourth NHL season — but first, he hopes to finish this year with a big playoff run. 'I think about how I can play better, because I want to help this team, because this team believed in me,' Kuzmenko said. 'I want to help each shift. How can I (do) this better? I want everything to get a little bit better for me.' ___ AP NHL: recommended
