New York Rangers’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Vladislav Gavrikov – The Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

The New York Rangers made a few key changes to their defense last offseason, including signing free agent Vladislav Gavrikov. Though the Rangers finished last in the Eastern Conference, he was a bright spot, providing steady play as many of their top players missed extended time with injuries or underperformed.

Gavrikov’s 2025-26 Season With the Rangers

After struggling defensively in 2024-25, the Rangers traded K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes and then signed Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract last offseason. The left-handed defenseman was an ideal fit alongside Adam Fox on the top pairing, and he was coming off a strong campaign with the LA Kings, scoring five goals and 25 assists through 82 games in 2024-25.

Gavrikov began the season paired with Fox, and the two quickly formed chemistry and played very well together. He showed great defensive instincts, relying on his positioning and strength to prevent scoring chances. He also broke up a few odd-man rushes and became an important penalty killer. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he used his strength to help clear the front of the net and his long reach to get into shooting and passing lanes.

Though the Rangers played better defensively and got excellent goaltending from Igor Shesterkin, they slumped offensively and did not score enough to win games. Fox also spent two stints on long-term injured reserve, and Shesterkin spent time on injured reserve.

With Fox out, Gavrikov played on the Rangers’ top power-play unit after 23-year-old blueliner Scott Morrow struggled in the role. He took shots from the point through traffic and on goal, and he had his best season offensively. However, New York could not find a reliable replacement for its top pair, and Gavrikov made some uncharacteristic defensive mistakes when Fox was out, as he carried the puck more often as he tried to generate offense.

Once Fox returned, the pairing returned to form, but the Rangers were already well out of the playoff race. Gavrikov set career highs in goals, points, and ice time this season, finishing with 14 goals and 21 assists while averaging 23:44 per game through 82 games.

Gavrikov and Fox Can Be an Elite Defense Pair

When Fox was healthy, he and Gavrikov played at an elite level. In addition to creating scoring chances at even strength, they were strong defensively and played well against their opponent’s top lines. When both of them were in the lineup, the Rangers were 26-23-6, but when Fox was out, they went 8-16-3.

Gavrikov was forced to be more offensive-minded when Fox was out; however, with Fox, he thrived in a shutdown role. He also made good passes out of the defensive zone to start the rush and made smart pinches in the offensive zone. He did not take many risks and rarely made mistakes.

The Rangers should feel confident with Fox and Gavrikov playing together. Fox is 28, and Gavrikov is 30, and the hope is that they can stay healthy and continue to form a reliable top pair for years to come.

Gavrikov’s Grade B+

Overall, Gavrikov had a strong first season with the Rangers, and he gets a B+ for his play. He was strong defensively for most of the season and could be trusted in any situation. He was forced into a tough position when Fox was injured and did not play as well defensively, but filled in admirably on the power play, and had three goals and three assists on the man advantage. Though this was a frustrating season for New York, he was a bright spot.