Opinion: Gavrikov isn’t the answer in Boston

There is no doubt the Boston Bruins have been the best team in the NHL this year. All the stats back that up. If you’re a Bruins fan that follows the team closely, you can also see how close this team is on and off the ice. Off-the-charts chemistry is a main contributor to the on-ice success. Obviously, Trade Deadline acquisitions mean that someone will be coming off the starting roster, changing chemistry. This can be quite the gamble, but most teams hope to improve or increase their odds of playoff success. The question for Don Sweeney is, how much of a move is needed to solidify the Bruins as a Stanley Cup contender?

Vladislav Gavrikov

With all the recent rumors of Gavrikov being on the move and being held out of the lineup for trade-related reasons. All signs point to Boston, with the recent report by David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period stating the Bruins have a deal in place with CBJ for Gavrikov that includes a 1st and 3rd round pick. The main sticking point right now is the Bruins needing to make another cap-related trade before making it official. Pagnotta added that Columbus might choose to take another offer if one comes by before Sweeney can make the cap space available.

To Boston:
Gavrikov

To Columbus:
First-Round Pick
Third-Round Pick

Now there is more to the Gavrikov story than just this. He is set to be a UFA at the end of the year with the opportunity to test the market. This means all the assets given up could be for a rental player. Leading up to this deadline, Gavrikov’s agent was permitted to speak to future teams about a contract extension. Depending on the circumstance, he may be interested in signing an extension shortly after a trade, a la Hampus Lindholm.

Regarding the on-ice performance, Gavrikov isn’t someone who will score his way into your hearts. His best statistical season, last year, is an outlier in his four seasons in the NHL. Which, four years, is a conversation all on its own. Gavrikov spent time in the KHL before coming over to the NHL, so although he is fairly new to the NHL, he is still 27 years old.

After seeing the stats, who is Gavrikov pushing out of the Bruins lineup? Matt Grzelcyk? No. Derek Forbort? Not with his PK production. Clifton? Maybe, but they are essentially a wash. You could convince me he is still a 7th defenseman in Boston.

So this begs the question, is he worth it?

Conclusion

While seeing the Bruins add a big strong defenseman to their blueline is something most fans may want to see, Gavrikov isn’t the answer. With the rumored deal involving a first and third round pick, the hold-up is the Bruins moving another player. Craig Smith has been the reported player, but the real question is, will Sweeney have to give up an asset to dump the cap space? That answer looks like yes.

Bundling all of this together, it’s a HUGE price to pay for a statistically mediocre defenseman who doesn’t have a lengthy NHL record. At the same time, names such as Chychrun, Klingberg, and Edmundson are still on the market. The Bruins have no reason to spend that level of assets on Gavrikov. If you are truly “All-In,” go get the more impactful players, even if that means spending a few more assets.

Stanley Cup Aspirations – Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

The boys are back after a long break but have plenty to talk about as the playoffs are in full swing. We go series by series, looking at how teams have fared so far and who will come out on top. Thanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.

1. Stanley Cup Aspirations 44:49
2. The Final Countdown 36:54
3. Here Come the Playoffs 32:42
4. Home Stretch 38:16
5. Kevy Cooks 45:22