Vladislav Gavrikov faces uncertain future as Kings new GM Ken Holland takes charge: Report

Kings’ future is in doubt as he is marching towards free agency on July 1. The rugged Russian defenseman is poised to sign a significant new contract, and new general manager Ken Holland has to decide if he wants to retain him. With Rob Blake absent and Holland now running the show, the Kings are starting a new era. But retaining Gavrikov, one of their most consistent players, could be one of Holland's largest challenges this offseason.


Ken Holland must make crucial Vladislav Gavrikov decision big pay increase


The Los Angeles Kings are undergoing transformation. General manager Rob Blake, who preceded him, was ousted after a string of failed playoff campaigns particularly against the Edmonton Oilers.



Ken Holland is now in charge, and one of his first big assignments is deciding what to do with defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Vladislav Gavrikov joined the Kings from the Columbus Blue Jackets and emerged as a valuable contributor to the team.



The 29-year-old defenseman last year registered five goals and 25 assists for 30 points. More importantly, he was a steady presence at defense and was instrumental in defending his own team's zone.

Updates on @LAKings potential UFAs Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrei Kuzmenko 👇 https://t.co/Slz7opEYKI

— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) May 20, 2025

Re-signing Vladislav Gavrikov is a priority, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports. But it will cost them. Vladislav Gavrikov makes $5.875 million annually now, but his next deal may cost more than $7 million per year.



That would be quite a raise and the Kings must determine whether they can afford it.



Also Read: As The Los Angeles Kings Set The Early Tone In The 2025 NHL Playoffs, Connor McDavid And Leon Draisaitl Remain Under Pressure



A long-term deal could keep Vladislav Gavrikov and Jordan Spence together


One reason the Kings would prefer to keep Vladislav Gavrikov is that he is paired with young defenseman Jordan Spence. The two have formed a solid twosome on the blue line, and Spence is a promising young star in the making.




He's signed for the 2026–27 season, and Holland would like to maintain the twosome so that he can build a solid defensive foundation in the future.




Pagnotta believes the Kings might give Gavrikov a five- to seven-year contract. A lengthy deal would provide the team with stability, but the financial burden may be the issue.




Holland is new to his position and most probably will want to make sound financial decisions, not necessarily large ones.




Still, letting Vladislav Gavrikov walk could weaken the Kings’ defense and hurt their playoff chances. Whether Holland agrees to a big raise or finds a different solution, Gavrikov’s future will be one of the team’s most important decisions this offseason.