The Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs once again and are expected to be active this offseason in hopes of ending their postseason drought.
After falling short for the ninth consecutive year, the Red Wings are aiming to bolster their roster and make a push for the playoffs next season. According to NHL insider Max Bultman of The Athletic, one player they should strongly consider targeting is Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who will be a free agent.
“This season, Detroit relied on Ben Chiarot and Moritz Seider as their top defensive pair, with Simon Edvinsson rotating on the second line alongside Albert Johansson and Jeff Petry,” Bultman explained. “That setup was serviceable at times, but adding a top-four, shutdown-style defenseman could help elevate Detroit’s blue line — either by pairing Edvinsson with Seider or moving Chiarot to a more suitable third-pairing role.”
Bultman pointed to Gavrikov as an ideal fit, noting his elite defensive numbers this past season and his familiarity with coaches Todd McLellan and Trent Yawney from their shared time in L.A.
Gavrikov, who tallied 5 goals and 25 assists for 30 points over 82 games, is finishing up a two-year, $11.75 million deal with the Kings. If he hits the open market on July 1, he’ll be one of the top defensemen available.
Still, the Kings hope to keep him. General manager Rob Blake said discussions are underway, even though Gavrikov recently switched agents. “We’re in ongoing talks. It’s always been the plan to re-sign him, and we’re confident it will get done,” Blake said on March 7.
Acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in March 2023, Gavrikov has solidified himself as a reliable presence on L.A.’s blue line.
As for Detroit, despite missing the playoffs, there’s optimism. Patrick Kane praised the team’s culture and leadership, saying the players stayed focused and united even after being eliminated.
“It’s tough not making it, but we kept competing,” Kane said. “There’s a strong core here, and it starts with the coaches and leaders in the locker room.”
The Red Wings finished the season with a 39-25-8 record, falling just five points short of a playoff spot.
Leave a Reply