The Los Angeles Kings completed the NHL Draft on Saturday, bringing in nine new players across the seven rounds. However, the focus of General Manager Ken Holland and Scouting Director Mark Yannetti during their media session shifted to concerns about the current roster’s defense.
A significant topic of discussion was the future of defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, especially following the trade of Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators. Holland provided insight into the ongoing negotiations with Gavrikov’s agent, Pat Bersant, expressing uncertainty about the potential for a deal before the free agency period begins on July 1st. Holland remarked, “It is looking more and more like he’s going to July 1st,” highlighting the tense climate surrounding these discussions.
The negotiation challenges stem primarily from differences in contract value rather than contract length. Despite various offers being made to Gavrikov, the two sides remain at odds over financial terms. This situation has been a concern since the trade deadline as discussions continued without resolution.
As the free agency deadline approaches, there is a significant possibility that competing teams may extend substantial offers to Gavrikov, particularly given the limited availability of left-handed defensemen in the market. This could lead to a scenario where he receives a more lucrative deal elsewhere, exacerbating the Kings’ need for defensive reinforcements.
Holland’s objective will thus be to address the defensive lineup early in free agency, as losing both Spence and potentially Gavrikov creates a formidable challenge. The team’s performance in the upcoming season may depend heavily on their ability to strengthen this crucial position.
The Kings have a history of excellent player development and strategic acquisitions, which could play a pivotal role in navigating these challenges successfully. Fans can remain hopeful that the organization will find a way to secure effective additions to bolster their defense for the upcoming season.