The Stanley Cup was awarded 12 hours ago, and we already have a new Rangers rumor. This time, it’s a Vlad Gavrikov trade rumor, as Mayor’s Manor, via SiriusXM, is reporting that Gavrikov may want out of New York. It’s very important we recognize “may” and not “definitely.” The possibility that Gavrikov wants out was always there, as he signed to be on a Cup contender with his friend–Artemi Panarin–and not on a rebuilding team and without Panarin. It’s a messy situation, but the Vlad Gavrikov trade rumor is not necessarily unexpected.
To be clear, there’s nothing concrete on this Vlad Gavrikov trade rumor. It’s just a bit of speculation with perhaps some insider information that Gavrikov wasn’t happy Panarin was traded in January. Couple that with the situation the Rangers are in, and Gavrikov may be having some remorse in coming to New York.
Where this rumor seems odd to me is that he supposedly wants to go back to the LA Kings. The Kings are better than the Rangers, but they aren’t really Cup contenders. Gavrikov controls his own destiny with his full no move clause, but if his desire is to win, LA is an odd choice.
If this is true, then the only thing LA has–that they would realistically part with for Gavrikov–that helps Chris Drury with his quick turnaround is Brandt Clarke. They aren’t parting with Quinton Byfield or Alex Laferriere, and Sam Helenius is just very tall. Clarke would be a solid get by Drury, so it’s not like this would be a wasted trade. Perhaps Gavrikov and Scott Morrow for Clarke and a 1st round pick?
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