The Detroit Red Wings have made a major splash in the offseason, reportedly agreeing to a five-year contract with former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.
The move signals a bold and deliberate push by General Manager Steve Yzerman to strengthen the team’s blue line and continue the organization’s upward trajectory in its rebuild toward playoff contention.
Gavrikov, 28, brings a highly valued combination of size, experience, and two-way reliability to Detroit’s defensive corps.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Russian defenseman has earned a reputation across the league as a steady presence in his own zone, capable of logging tough minutes against top competition. He spent last season with the Kings after being traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 and quickly cemented himself as one of Los Angeles’s most dependable blueliners.
The reported deal, which is expected to be worth over $25 million across five years, reflects both Detroit’s confidence in Gavrikov’s long-term fit and their desire to solidify the back end with a veteran presence. Gavrikov, known for his defensive awareness, physicality, and penalty-killing ability, fills a crucial need for a Red Wings team that has struggled at times with consistency and depth on the blue line.
Gavrikov’s NHL journey began with the Blue Jackets, where he was selected 159th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. After spending several seasons developing in Russia with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL, he joined Columbus in 2019 and quickly became one of the team’s most dependable defensemen. He played over 20 minutes per game in each of his seasons with the Jackets and brought the same level of consistency to Los Angeles following the trade.
In 2023–24, Gavrikov posted 24 points (5 goals, 19 assists) in 76 games while averaging 21:09 of ice time per night. His impact went beyond the scoresheet, however. He regularly matched up against opponents’ top lines and served as a key penalty killer on one of the NHL’s stingiest defensive squads. His steady presence on the Kings’ second pair helped solidify the team’s blue line depth, and his playoff experience adds another layer of value for a Detroit team hungry to return to the postseason.
The Red Wings’ decision to pursue Gavrikov aligns with their broader strategy under Yzerman’s leadership—targeting experienced, well-rounded players who bring leadership, defensive responsibility, and playoff experience to a young and evolving roster. With rising stars like Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson leading the youth movement on defense, Gavrikov is expected to offer a stabilizing presence while mentoring younger players and contributing on both ends of the ice.
For Detroit, the signing of Gavrikov also represents a shift in expectations. No longer simply a rebuilding franchise, the Red Wings are now positioning themselves to compete more seriously in the Eastern Conference. With a promising core that includes Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Seider, the addition of Gavrikov could be the missing piece in solidifying a playoff-caliber defense.
Reaction from fans and analysts has been largely positive, with many praising the move as a necessary step in building a more balanced roster. Gavrikov’s style of play is expected to complement the more offensively gifted Seider, and he could slot in seamlessly on the second pairing alongside a mobile puck mover like Edvinsson or Jake Walman. His ability to play in all situations will also give head coach Derek Lalonde added flexibility as he constructs his defensive rotations.
While the Red Wings have been patient in their rebuild, the signing of Gavrikov suggests that the team is ready to accelerate its pursuit of a playoff berth. After narrowly missing the postseason in 2024, Detroit is signaling that it’s no longer content to sit on the outside looking in. With the Atlantic Division as competitive as ever, bolstering the blue line with a proven veteran like Gavrikov could make all the difference.
As the offseason progresses, more moves are likely on the horizon, but locking down Vladislav Gavrikov on a long-term deal gives the Red Wings a major foundational piece as they push toward relevance and, ultimately, contention. It’s a statement signing—one that shows Detroit is serious about winning now and building a defensive identity to match its offensive promise.
