Vladislav Gavrikov is player on LA Kings to watch leading up to trade deadline

The NHL Trade Deadline is still a few months away but it certainly needs to be top of mind for the Los Angeles Kings. It is obvious that what happens between now and then will play a big factor in how they approach it. At times, the Kings have looked like a Stanley Cup contender but then follow it up with flat performances against teams like the Sharks, Blackhawks, and recently the Avalanche.

There is reason to be optimistic that the Kings will only get better as the season goes along with the eventual return of Drew Doughty and Arthur Kaliyev. If that is the case, then they will be buyers as they try to make a push for their third Stanley Cup.

If for some reason they struggle and the season starts to look lost there are a number of players who could be on the move. Regardless of how the season plays out, one player that could be a big topic of discussion around the league is Vladislav Gavrikov.

The Kings traded with the Columbus Blue Jackets for Gavrikov during the 2022-23 season and would sign a two-year extension after that season to remain in Los Angeles. He played well last season but with the absence of Doughty has stepped into a bigger role this season and responded well with a +11 through 18 games and leading the team in time on ice at 23:30.

Gavrikov is set to be a free agent after this season and will be highly sought after in free agency. The Kings certainly will try their best to keep him, and according to Elliotte Friedman with SportsNet, teams are expecting that to happen.

Los Angeles Kings should not wait to get that extension done with Vladislav Gavrikov

While knowing that Vladislav Gavrikov will be the top defenseman available in free agency, the Los Angeles Kings should not wait to get an extension done. If the Kings are able to get a deal done, or at least close, then that elevates a big question heading into the trade deadline.

However, if the two sides feel too far apart and the Kings are concerned that they won't get a deal done, it might make sense to see what the trade value will be near the deadline. This would at least ensure that the Kings don't lose him without any type of return. The move might even make sense if Drew Doughty is back at this point and the Kings could trade Gavrikov for help at goalie or even for another forward.

It will be interesting to see how the next few months play out for the Los Angeles Kings but the front office shouldn't wait on a new contract for their current top defenseman.