How does the Los Angeles Kings acquiring Vladislav Gavrikov impact them defensively?

As the NHL Trade Deadline continues to draw closer, the Los Angeles Kings have jumped into the frenzy of deals taking place across the league. The Kings landed left-handed defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo in exchange for goalie Jonathan Quick, a 2023 first-round draft pick, and a 2023 third-round draft pick.

"Deal will be announced later this morning by #CBJ and #LAKings, but told the deal is this: To #LAKings: D Vladislav Gavrikov, G Joonas Korpisalo. To #CBJ: G Jonathan Quick, First-round pick, Third-round pick" - Aaron Portzline

Gavrikov was one of the most sought-after defensemen available on the trade market, with several teams interested in the 27-year-old blue liner. The Columbus Blue Jackets elected to sit the defenseman out of games to avoid risking injury in order to facilitate a deal. He was out of the lineup since Feb. 14.

The Los Angeles Kings are receiving a proven defenseman who can log plenty of minutes, as well as kill penalties. Gavrikov led Columbus in shorthanded ice time per game and has a tendency to find the right lanes to block shots and shut down the opposing offense.

Gavrikov has three goals and seven assists in 46 games this season with the Blue Jackets. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the season, as he plays in the final year of a three-year, $8.4 million deal ($2.8 million AAV) he signed in 2020.

"Before this move, LA still had an offer on the table for Chychrun, as I reported. Clearly, Blake couldn't keep waiting & had to pivot. Gavrikov upgrades their blueline/left side. Also, if no retention, LA frees up $1.7M in salary cap space, giving them just over $5M in cap space." - David Pagnotta

The Los Angeles Kings are likely not finished with moves before the trade deadline

After trading away franchise icon Jonathan Quick, the Kings opened up roughly $1.7 million of salary cap space, which pushes them to just over $5 million. That number will likely incentivize Los Angeles to pursue at least one other move before Friday's trade deadline.

"Kings swinging big for goaltender. #GoKingsGo #Smashville" - NHL Trade Rumors

If the Los Angeles Kings elect to further improve their goalie position, there are several veterans that have been made available across the NHL. Some potential targets for the Kings include Cam Talbot of the Ottawa Senators, Semyon Varlamov of the New York Islanders, and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.