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The Rangers just won the lottery on the first day of NHL free agency

ByJustin Bonhard|
Dec 10, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) battle for position in front of Los Angeles Kings goalie Pheonix Copley (29) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Dec 10, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) battle for position in front of Los Angeles Kings goalie Pheonix Copley (29) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images | Danny Wild-Imagn Images

On the first day of NHL free agency, the New York Rangers might have just hit the lottery. In what needed to be the most important move they needed to make on July 1, they did it swiftly and with absolute precision.

Welcome to New York, Vladislav Gavrikov.

With a seven-year deal, and a $7 million AAV, the Rangers got that first-pair side-kick for Adam Fox. This was such a masterclass move from President and General Manager Chris Drury, that it might start to look like things will be a lot different in 2025-26.

There was another coinciding move that happened in conjunction with this pick-up, and that was the loss of K'Andre Miller to Carolina who signed for more money per year than Gavrikov! The Rangers have the top-pair they need, and the Rangers netting Scott Morrow in the Miller trade as a right-handed defensive prospect will iron out the loss of Miller in the long run.

Gavrikov is the steal of the summer

Looking at what he accomplished in 2024-25, the stats are not all that awe-inspiring. Appearing in all 82 games, he had five goals and 25 assists for 30 points averaging a little over 23 minutes a game. He brings a fast-paced style, and with Fox on his right, these two could blanket all 200 feet of the ice.

His most impressive quality is that he is a shutdown defender. Alongside Fox could be a fantastic pairing and one that could require minimal growing pains.

Now that Miller is off to Carolina, Gavrikov's signing has become a very important one. There was a strong feeling that Miller was going to be sent-off at some point this offseason, and his departure is one filled with a bit of sorrow but complete understanding. Things just had not worked out fully with the former University of Wisconsin product.

Establishing a secure top-duo on defense is something the Rangers have been searching for, for a long time now. Ryan Lindgren had his moments as Fox's partner, but injuries plagued his ability to be a steady and consistent first-liner. Gavrikov can be a much better fit for that role.

The Rangers just hit the lottery, and it will show in 2025-26. Expect this team to look a whole lot different next season and Gavrikov just made them better.