Vladislav Gavrikov

November 2019 – The stay-at-home defenseman picked up his first NHL goal, making him the third Russian defender in Blue Jackets history to tally. Currently sitting with just two points on the year, the 2015 fifth-round-pick is more known for his defensive play and has racked up 24 hits and 21 shot blocks in 18 games. The 23-year-old looks to have solidified his role in the lineup and could be used for some peripheral stats in deeper leagues, but that is about it. Dave Hall

October 2019 – Gavrikov drew into the lineup to make his NHL regular-season debut this season. In two games, the 6’3 shutdown defenceman has posted three hits, two blocks to go along with a -2 rating. Although offense may not be the name of his game, Gavrikov has showcased smooth skating and the ability to break up plays. His long reach should also be a nice welcome to their penalty kill. However, given the team’s d-core, it could take some time for him to solidify a regular top-6 role. Unless the team finds themselves with injury troubles, the sixth-rounder could see himself in and out of the lineup. Dave Hall

May 2019 – Gavrikov made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets in game five of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final. As expected, he was held scoreless and played a modest 14 minutes which was fourth-most among Blue Jackets’ defensemen. Frank Pellegrini

April 2019 – After Gavrikov signed a two-year entry-level contract, Blue Jackets’ GM Jarmo Kekalainen offered his belief that the blueliner is “an outstanding defenseman who excels at both ends of the ice”. He added that the Blue Jackets are excited about his future. The 2015 sixth-rounder has spent the last six seasons in the KHL. The signing indicates that Gavrikov may be headed to North American for a debut in the AHL next season. Frank Pellegrini

April 2019 – At the completion of his KHL campaign, 23-year-old Vladdy Gavrikov signed an entry-level deal with Columbus. The left-shot defender’s fourth full KHL season yielded a career-high 20 points in 55 regular season games. The 2015 sixth-rounder is considered a shutdown defender who brings physicality and some decent transition work. He is eligible to join the Blue Jackets in during postseason play. Cam Robinson

November 2018 – Gavrikov is in his second season with St. Petersburg SKA of the KHL and has one more year remaining on his contract. As a result, it is quite possible that he debuts with the Blue Jackets in 2019-2020. According to GM Jarmo Kekalainen, Gavrikov “could play on our team right now”. He is a stay at home type of defender who does not join the rush often. With that, it may be best to steer clear of him for fantasy production when he makes his way to the NHL. Frank Pellegrini

January 2018 – In the midst of a solid year for SKA St. Petersburg (five goals, nine assists and a plus-20), Gavrikov will participate in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games under the flag of “Organized Athletes of Russia” as Team Russia is barred from participation. Ironically, with a thinner lineup than Russia likely would have fielded, Gavrikov has an opportunity to stand out as a top defender garnering plenty of ice time on the OAR squad. Kevin Wickersham

November 2017 – Gavrikov has earned a good amount of ice time in this, his first campaign with SKA St. Petersburg. As a result he’s picked up a goal and seven assists in 28 contests with a tidy plus-seven, and was named to Team Russia for this week’s Karjala Cup Tournament in Finland. Kevin Wickersham

September 2017 – Columbus selected this sizable Russian defenseman in round six of the 2015 draft but he’s yet to play for or sign with a North American squad. After a recent trade to SKA St. Petersburg, and subsequent two-year deal, Gavrikov chose to remain in the KHL and play in the upcoming Winter Olympics which he would not be able to do under an NHL deal. Should he want to, Gavrikov looks to be developing into a rock-solid and fearless NHL shutdown defenseman skilled at disrupting passing lanes, maintaining excellent gap control, and getting the puck out of the zone quickly while taking care of the physical stuff for an offensive pairing. He utilizes his size well to deliver crushing hits and minimize threats in front of his net. Blessed with much lower body strength, Gavrikov is impressively fast and nimble considering his large frame. He excels at blocking shots – not so much for than taking them. Look to him as a potential future source of some peripherals, but with just six goals and nine assists in 106 KHL contests don’t count Gavrikov as a points-only pool stalwart. He should provide ample hits and blocks, but with just 60 PIM during that span his multi-category ceiling may be slightly limited. Kevin Wickersham