The Detroit Red Wings are unlikely to make the playoffs this season but are expected to be active in the offseason to strengthen their roster.
Although Detroit had hoped to be a playoff team, their struggles in the second half of the season have ended their chances. One area of need for the Red Wings is on defense, and insider Max Bultman of The Athletic believes they should target Vladislav Gavrikov from the Los Angeles Kings in free agency.
Bultman writes, “One name I’m curious about is Vladislav Gavrikov, the left-shot defenseman in Los Angeles. He has familiarity with McLellan and Trent Yawney from their time with the Kings, and as of March 30, Gavrikov had the fifth-best five-on-five expected goals against numbers in the NHL (1.84 xGA/60) among defensemen who played at least 500 minutes.”
While Gavrikov will be 30 this fall, Bultman sees potential in a top pairing of Gavrikov and Moritz Seider, which could become one of the league’s toughest. It would also allow Detroit to shift Ben Chiarot to a secondary role against easier matchups, possibly pairing him with a younger defenseman like Simon Johansson or top prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka.
Gavrikov is in the final year of his two-year, $11.75 million contract with the Kings, and he could provide Detroit with much-needed defensive strength. He has recorded 4 goals and 23 assists for 27 points in 73 games this season.
Insider Expects Gavrikov to Attract Multiple Teams
Although Bultman believes the Red Wings are a strong fit for Gavrikov, he expects the defenseman to have multiple suitors. Gavrikov has shown the ability to shut down opposing offenses while also contributing offensively. Bultman suggests that Detroit will face competition from other teams to sign him.
“Gavrikov will have a real market, to be sure. He won’t be cheap. But what he’s been in Los Angeles is exactly what Detroit needs — and having the same coaching staff that helped establish that Kings defense group could help make it possible,” Bultman added.
The familiarity with head coach Jeff Blashill, who previously coached Gavrikov in Los Angeles, could be a factor in drawing him to Detroit.
Red Wings GM Aims to Improve the Roster
General Manager Steve Yzerman, who has overseen the team’s rebuild, remains focused on improving the roster and eventually competing for a Stanley Cup.
Ahead of the offseason, Yzerman emphasized his commitment to making the necessary moves to strengthen the team.
“I’m going to continue doing what I think is right here at the deadline, over the course of the summer, at the draft, and always do that,” Yzerman said. “I want to make the playoffs. I want to win a Stanley Cup as much as anybody in this city, and I take full responsibility for where we’re at today. I’m going to make the best decisions that I can for us, short-term and long-term, and not feel like I’m doing anything that is right for me. It’s going to be right for the team.”
Currently, the Red Wings sit at a 34-33-6 record, three points shy of a playoff spot.
