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Free Agent Target: Vladislav Gavrikov is the perfect left-shot defenceman for the Flames’ roster
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Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Jun 27, 2025, 16:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 27, 2025, 11:57 EDT
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If the Calgary Flames want to make the post-season in 2025-26, they’ll need to drastically improve their defence core.
This is Free Agent Targets, where we look at players the Flames could target when free agency opens on July 1. Last time, we looked at netminder Jake Allen.
It’s becoming increasingly likely that Rasmus Andersson will be traded at some point soon. Filling his spot on the second pairing will likely be right-shot defenceman Zayne Parekh. Kevin Bahl also needs to be signed this off-season, as he’s a restricted free agent.
Assuming MacKenzie Weegar is the team’s first pair right-shot defenceman, that gives the Flames three, maybe four defencemen to start the season, depending on what happens with Andersson.
If Andersson is traded, one hole the Flames need to address is adding a left-shot defenceman, and Vladislav Gavrikov is a great fit to play alongside Parekh.

Vladislav Gavrikov’s stats

Gavrikov is a left-shot defenceman who has played six seasons in the National Hockey League. Known more as a defensive defenceman, one of the best in the league, the 29-year-old collects his fair share of points.
His best season was in 2021-22 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring five goals and 33 points in 80 games. He nearly matched that this past season with the Los Angeles Kings, as he scored five goals and 30 points, along with two assists in six post-season games. For his career, the 2015 sixth-round pick has 29 goals and 135 points in 435 games.
But Gavrikov shines best in his zone. In 1534:58 minutes during five-on-five action this season, the 29-year-old finished with a 59.22 goal share, with the Kings scoring 61 goals when he was on the ice as opposed to 42 goals against. His expected numbers were much of the same, as he had a 55.47 expected goal share.
He’s exceptional at holding his line and breaking up plays in the defensive zone. Gavrikov would be the perfect defenceman to play alongside Parekh and mentor him.

Vladislav Gavrikov’s contract outlook

Although Gavrikov’s point production is nothing special, he’s going to get paid based on his reputation for being one of the best defensive defencemen in the league. According to AFPAnalytics, Gavrikov is projected to sign a seven-year deal worth $7.6 million annually, a big payday for the 29-year-old.
Of course, the Flame should be able to give him that. They have a little over $25 million in cap space with three restricted free agents to sign: Connor Zary, Morgan Frost, and Kevin Bahl. Although it’s not landing a top centre, Gavrikov is a player who’ll help this team get better and be a part of their core for the next half-decade at the least.

Is Vladislav Gavrikov a fit for the Flames

The question is whether or not Gavrikov is a fit for the Flames. If they intend to tank for Gavin McKenna (let’s be real, that’s the best option), no, Gavrikov is not a good fit because he’s a player who’ll make the Flames better.
But if they wish to contend for a post-season spot, which seems likely, Gavrikov would drastically improve their defence core. Moreover, he would be able to balance out Zayne Parekh’s high offensive potential and mentor the 19-year-old rookie.
It’s a match made in heaven.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for FlamesNation, Oilersnation, and Blue Jays Nation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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