Vladislav Gavrikov Bio
Vladislav Andreyevich Gavrikov is a Russian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenceman for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 214 pounds, he is recognized for his size, mobility, and two-way reliability on the blue line. Drafted 159th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2015, Gavrikov developed in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) before establishing himself as a steady NHL defender.
Over the course of his career, Gavrikov has played for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, SKA Saint Petersburg, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Los Angeles Kings, and the New York Rangers. He is also an Olympic gold medalist, having competed for the Olympic Athletes from Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Early Life and Background
Vladislav Andreyevich Gavrikov was born on 21 November 1995 in Yaroslavl, Russia, a city with a deep and storied hockey tradition. Yaroslavl is home to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, one of the most respected clubs in Russian hockey, and the city has produced numerous top-level players. Growing up in this environment, Gavrikov was exposed to high-level hockey from an early age.
As a young player, Gavrikov progressed through the local youth system in Yaroslavl, where he developed the defensive fundamentals that would later define his professional career. His left-handed shot and frame made him a natural fit for the defenceman position, and his steady development in junior leagues caught the attention of scouts both in Russia and North America.
Path to Hockey
Gavrikov’s professional path began in his hometown, where he joined Lokomotiv Yaroslavl’s system and worked his way up to the senior roster. He made his KHL debut with Lokomotiv during the 2014–15 season, becoming one of the league’s promising young defenders. Over the next several seasons, he continued to refine his game in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Following the 2016–17 season, Gavrikov’s KHL rights were traded to the powerhouse club SKA Saint Petersburg. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who had selected him 159th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, hosted him on a tour of Columbus, Ohio, in an effort to sign him. Although Gavrikov ultimately chose to remain in Russia for two more seasons, the visit strengthened the relationship between player and organization.
Vladislav Gavrikov Career
Early Career (2014–2019)
During his first four senior seasons with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, Gavrikov developed into a reliable, positionally sound defenceman. After being traded to SKA Saint Petersburg, he continued his growth alongside some of the KHL’s most talented players. In the 2018–19 season, he scored a career-high 20 points in 60 games, demonstrating offensive growth to complement his defensive work.
After SKA was eliminated from the 2018–19 Gagarin Cup Playoffs in a second consecutive conference final defeat to CSKA Moscow, Gavrikov was released from his contract. On 13 April 2019, he signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, officially beginning his North American professional career.
NHL Breakthrough with Columbus Blue Jackets (2019–2023)
Gavrikov made his NHL debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2019–20 season. He scored his first career NHL goal on 15 November 2019, against goaltender Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues, and finished his rookie campaign with 18 points in 69 games. During the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he recorded his first NHL playoff goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs, finishing the postseason with three points in 10 games.
On 5 November 2020, the Blue Jackets rewarded Gavrikov’s steady play with a three-year, $8.4 million contract extension. Throughout his tenure in Columbus, he became known for his dependable defensive presence, penalty-killing ability, and growing role on the team’s top pairing.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2023–2025)
On 1 March 2023, Gavrikov was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, along with goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, in exchange for goaltender Jonathan Quick and two draft picks. He scored his first goal as a King on 6 March 2023 against the Washington Capitals, quickly fitting into Los Angeles’s defensive structure.
On 7 June 2023, Gavrikov agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Kings worth $5.875 million annually, signaling his commitment to the team’s long-term plans. Over his two seasons in Los Angeles, he was a stabilizing presence on the back end, contributing in all situations and helping the Kings remain competitive in the Western Conference.
New York Rangers Era (2025–Present)
After becoming an unrestricted free agent on 1 July 2025, Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the New York Rangers, carrying an average annual value of $7 million. The signing was one of the major moves of the Rangers’ offseason and reflected the organization’s belief in his two-way abilities.
On 14 March 2026, Gavrikov recorded his first career three-point NHL game, tallying one goal and two assists in a 4–2 win over the Minnesota Wild, a milestone that highlighted his growing offensive comfort within the Rangers’ system.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gavrikov is widely regarded as a mobile, positionally responsible defenceman who excels at breaking up plays in his own zone. His 6-foot-3 frame, strong skating, and active stick make him effective against opposing forwards, while his composure under pressure allows him to contribute on the penalty kill and in transition. He pairs a defensive-first identity with a quietly effective offensive game built on smart puck movement.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gavrikov’s most notable career moments is his Olympic gold medal with the Olympic Athletes from Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. He has also reached key NHL milestones, including his first NHL goal in November 2019, his first playoff goal in 2020, and his first three-point NHL game in March 2026. His seven-year deal with the New York Rangers in 2025 marked the largest contract of his professional career.
Vladislav Gavrikov Career Wins
While defencemen are not typically measured by goal totals, Gavrikov has collected meaningful victories and titles across his career. His greatest team accomplishment is the Olympic gold medal won with the Olympic Athletes from Russia in 2018, and he has been a contributor on competitive KHL and NHL rosters throughout his professional journey.
KHL Highlights
In the KHL, Gavrikov skated for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and SKA Saint Petersburg, appearing in high-stakes playoff matchups against top Russian competition. His most productive KHL season came in 2018–19 with SKA, when he set a career high with 20 points in 60 games and helped his team reach the conference finals.
NHL Highlights
Since joining the NHL in 2019, Gavrikov has been a steady contributor for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers. He has scored his first NHL goal, his first playoff goal, and his first three-point game, marking a steady progression in his North American career.
Vladislav Gavrikov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Little public information is available about Gavrikov’s parents or family background beyond his roots in Yaroslavl, a city long associated with elite Russian hockey. His hometown club, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, played a formative role in his development as a young player.
Personal Life
Details about Gavrikov’s personal life, including marital status and family, are not widely publicized. He continues his professional career with the New York Rangers as of the most recent season.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year was a defining one in Gavrikov’s career. After completing his time with the Los Angeles Kings, he entered free agency on 1 July 2025 and signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the New York Rangers, signaling the organization’s commitment to building around his two-way game.
Throughout the 2025–26 NHL season, Gavrikov has featured prominently on the Rangers’ blue line, logging important minutes in all situations. On 14 March 2026, he recorded his first career three-point NHL game with a goal and two assists in a 4–2 win over the Minnesota Wild, an offensive breakout that highlighted his growing chemistry with his new teammates.
Looking ahead, Gavrikov’s long-term deal positions him as a central figure on the Rangers’ defence for years to come. His combination of size, mobility, and playoff experience is expected to play a key role as the team pursues sustained postseason success.
