Chris Drury, the general manager of the New York Rangers, recently shared insights into the team’s decision to sign defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov as free agency opened. During a Zoom call, Drury expressed excitement about the 29-year-old player, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds. The Rangers signed Gavrikov to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million.
Drury emphasized the importance of solid defense, particularly in the Rangers’ defensive zone. He noted that the team struggled with coverage and defending in high-danger areas last season. Drury believes that Gavrikov’s size, reach, and competitive nature will enhance the team’s performance, especially in front of goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick.
While Drury did not explicitly state Gavrikov would be paired with Adam Fox, he hinted that the significant investment in Gavrikov suggests he will play a crucial role on the first defensive pair. This move comes as the Rangers aim to improve their defensive metrics after a challenging previous season.
In addition to Gavrikov’s signing, Drury addressed recent trades involving Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller. Miller was traded to Carolina in a sign-and-trade deal that netted the Rangers a first- and second-round pick in 2026, along with young defenseman Scott Morrow. Drury explained that they felt it was best for Miller to explore other opportunities, as they were unable to reach a long-term agreement.
Drury also reflected on Kreider’s departure, acknowledging the cap constraints that influenced the decision to trade the franchise’s long-time player. He praised Kreider’s contributions and described him as a Rangers legend.
As the Rangers prepare for the upcoming season, they have limited cap space but will look to finalize their roster during training camp. The defense pairing and offensive lines will be key points of focus as the team aims to bounce back from last season’s struggles.