Four teams aggressively trying to trade for Columbus Blue Jackets defender
The Columbus Blue Jackets have seen better days, as they're 5-9-1 and in last place in the Metropolitan Division. Once touted to be tough to play against, they were fourth in goals against last season.
Now it seems like the team will continue to tank, as Patrik Laine, Elvis Merzlikins, and Jakub Voracek have all been sidelined with injuries. Columbus has one bright spot, however, as Vladislav Gavrikov has turned into a staple on the blue line.
The left-handed defenseman was drafted in 2015 after being passed up in the 2014 NHL draft, despite winning a Silver Medal in the IIHF with Russia.
Now it's being reported that in his 4th year in the NHL, there are multiple teams interested in the defenseman.
Gavrikov has been linked to the Leafs since the announcement of Jake Muzzin's long-term injury, so it isn't surprising that another source has Toronto making a push for him. He would provide them with a much-needed top-four left-shot defenseman as they aim to break their first-round playoff exit curse.
If what Pagnotta says is true, putting Muzzin on the LTIR will allow Kyle Dubas to acquire Gavrikov, and as a rental would be relatively cheap with a $2.7 Million cap hit.
The Maple Leafs are sorely needing a blueline revitalization, and Gavrikov has been a reliable arsenal the past four years and it'll be interesting to see what Dubas will give up in assets for such an important player on Columbus' blueline.
| POLL | ||
Where will Gavrikov be traded? | ||
| Edmonton Oilers | 15 | 25.4 % |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 21 | 35.6 % |
| Los Angeles Kings | 6 | 10.2 % |
| Other | 17 | 28.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
