Defenseman linked to the Leafs in trade rumours scratched for ''trade-related reasons''
With one top defensive deadline target in Jakob Chychrun already being held out of game action to preserve his health for the trade deadline, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that another top deadline target on the blueline will be a healthy-scratch for ''trade-related reasons''.
Per the Blue Jackets' official PR account, defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov will be held out of tonight's game against the New Jersey Devils to ensure that he remains healthy for the trade deadline.
Gavrikov was one of several players linked to the Leafs in recent weeks. The two-way defenseman carries a $2.8M cap hit and should be considered one of the top rental defenders at the deadline. Gavrikov will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 27-year-old defenseman enjoyed a career year last season, posting 33 points in 80 games. This season hasn't been nearly as kind to Gavrikov, who has registered just 3 goals and 10 points in 52 games thus far.
If the Leafs still have an interest in acquiring Gavrikov, we already know that they will not agree to part with this year's 1st round draft pick, nor top prospect Matthew Knies. This much was made clear by Kyle Dubas last week when he addressed the media and revealed that he would not part with either piece for a pure rental.
| POLL | ||
14 FEVRIER | 174 ANSWERS Defenseman linked to the Leafs in trade rumours scratched for ''trade-related reasons'' Should the Leafs take a run at acquiring Vladislav Gavrikov? | ||
| No | 34 | 19.5 % |
| Yes | 71 | 40.8 % |
| Only if the price is right | 69 | 39.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
