The Columbus Blue Jackets defense may be changing sooner than you thought.
Columbus Dispatch beat writer Aaron Portzline has reported that Vladislav Gavrikov, a 2015 draft pick of the Blue Jackets, has an offer to sign with the team.
#CBJ have an offer on the table for D Vladislav Gavrikov, a 6th round pick in 2015. He's coming to #NHL at some point, but unclear when.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 1, 2017
Gavrikov, 21, has played the last two seasons with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). In 54 games this past season, he scored three goals and added four assists for seven points on the year.
It is unclear when Gavrikov would head over to the Blue Jackets, but it appears that the team has made their pitch to get him on board. Portzline also reports that Gavrikov's U.S.-based agent will be meeting with his client at the upcoming IIHF World Championships in Cologne and Paris.
Told his U.S. based agent, Daniel Milstein, is headed to World Championships early next week to speak to Gavrikov about his options.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 1, 2017
Playing in a league of men at a young age and not looking overwhelmed is definitely in Gavrikov's favor; it isn't often we see young players handling a high level of competition as well as he has.
Spoke w a source in Russia - not affiliated w agent or team - who believes it's unlikely Gavrikov makes the jump this off-season.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 1, 2017
At 6-foot-3 and 220 lbs., Gavrikov has the frame and physical tools to step into the league right away. His status will be watched closely this offseason, especially since Portzline also reported that the Russian defenseman's contract has ended.
