With Vladislav Gavrikov potentially departing via free agency, the Los Angeles Kings face a critical juncture in solidifying their blue line for the upcoming 2025-2026 season and beyond. Gavrikov's shutdown presence and offensive contributions (30 points last season) will be difficult to replace directly. Therefore, General Manager Ken Holland must explore various avenues to ensure the Kings maintain their defensive prowess.
One option is to re-sign Gavrikov. He is considered a top priority, and the Kings recognize his value. The challenge lies in meeting his contract demands, which are expected to be significant given his strong performance in a contract year. The Kings can offer him an eight-year deal to lower the cap hit slightly. However, if negotiations stall, the Kings must consider alternative strategies.
Internal options include relying on current roster players and promising prospects. Mikey Anderson is already a proven top-four defenseman with a team-friendly contract. Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence have shown promise, but there have been reports that the Kings may trade Spence because he is too similar to Clarke. Clarke is a high-end, puck-moving defenseman, while Spence is also a mobile defenseman. If Spence is traded, it would open up an opportunity for Clarke to get more ice time.
Several prospects could also compete for roster spots. Cameron Reid is a two-way defenseman who excels in transition and possesses offensive creativity. Otto Salin, recently signed, is known for his puck-moving ability and could contribute on the power play. Jacob Dvorak and Angus Booth are other defensive prospects in the Kings' system. However, relying solely on unproven prospects carries risk.
The Kings could also explore the free agent market. Ivan Provorov is one potential target who had a similar stat line to Gavrikov with 33 points, +11 rating, and 23:21 minutes of ice time per game last season. Other options include Aaron Ekblad and Ryan Lindgren. However, these players may command similar salaries to Gavrikov, potentially negating any cost savings.
Another strategy is to pursue restricted free agents (RFAs) by signing them to offer sheets. This approach is less common but could allow the Kings to acquire a talented defenseman without engaging in a bidding war.
Ultimately, the Kings' next steps will depend on their ability to negotiate a deal with Gavrikov and their assessment of the readiness of their internal prospects. Ken Holland will need to weigh the costs and benefits of each option to ensure the Kings' blue line remains a strength.
