The LA Kings wrapped up the NHL Draft on Saturday and after that general manager Ken Holland and Scouting Director Mark Yannetti met with the media. While the Kings did add nine new players over the seven rounds, the immediate questions that were asked were about the defense on the Kings' NHL roster.
They know they will need to replace at least one player after trading Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators, but the bigger storyline is Vladislav Gavrikov and if they can bring him back. Holland provided an update on those negotiations, and based on the comments and tone, it doesn't seem very optimistic.
"I didn't talk to Pat Bersant (Gavrikov's agent) today, but I talked to him pretty much every day this week. It is looking more and more like he's going to July 1st," Holland said. While he did say that players do sign between now and Monday, he is unsure if Gavrikov will be one of them.
LA Kings and Vladislav Gavrikov appear to not be close on the contract value
Earlier this week, Ken Holland met with the media and said that multiple offers have been made to Gavrikov. The gap between the two sides is not so much the length of the contract but rather contract value, and at this point of the offseason, that doesn't seem overly surprising.
This has been the biggest concern all along as negotiations have dragged on between the two sides. Even back at the trade deadline, now former general manager Rob Blake said they were having discussions, but nothing was able to get across the finish line.
Now, with free agency right around the corner, and the lack of talent specifically for left-handed defenseman, it isn't going to be surprising to see a team make a big offer to Gavrikov. That is probably the calculation Gavrikov's representation is making, and why they might be so far apart on value. The Kings probably have a number in mind they are willing to go up to, but he could get more on the open market.
The departure of Jordan Spence, combined with the likely departure of Vladislav Gavrikov, makes the defense a pressing concern that Ken Holland will need to put a great of effort addressing early in free agency.