Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov showing unexpected scoring touch for Rangers

Gavrikov has become a scoring option for the Blueshirts, something that hadn't necessarily been the case in past seasons with the Kings and Blue Jackets.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who signed a seven-year, $49 million deal with the New York Rangers last July, has emerged as an unexpected scoring threat for the team this season. After scoring in three consecutive games, Gavrikov has already set a new career-high with 12 goals, shattering his previous best of six. His offensive production has been a welcomed addition to the Rangers' blue line, especially with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Adam Fox and Braden Schneider.

Why it matters

Gavrikov's scoring touch has been a bright spot in an otherwise lost season for the Rangers, who are committed to a retool after issuing 'The Letter 2.0'. His offensive contributions, combined with his strong defensive play, have made him one of the surest pieces on the Rangers' blue line moving forward.

The details

Gavrikov has scored in three consecutive games, including a goal against the Devils on Saturday. He is now tied with Hy Buller for the first-most goals by a Rangers defenseman in his first season on Broadway. Gavrikov's offensive production has been a welcomed addition, as the Rangers have dealt with injuries to Adam Fox and the struggles of Braden Schneider this season.

  • Gavrikov scored in a third consecutive game on Saturday, March 4, 2026.
  • Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million deal with the Rangers in July 2025.

The players

Vladislav Gavrikov

A 26-year-old defenseman who signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the New York Rangers in July 2025 after previously playing for the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Chris Drury

The president and general manager of the New York Rangers, who signed Gavrikov to the seven-year deal in the offseason.

Adam Fox

A star defenseman for the New York Rangers who has missed extended time due to injury this season.

Braden Schneider

A defenseman for the New York Rangers who has struggled this season, leading to trade rumors surrounding him.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers, who has praised Gavrikov's offensive contributions this season.

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What they’re saying

“From an offensive standpoint, I think he's had a really, really good year. He's everything we had hoped for defensively when we signed him, but his offensive game, I think, is something that's been a welcomed addition to our group — and we think he's been pretty good in that area of the rink.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach (usa-times.news)

What’s next

Gavrikov will have a chance to continue his three-game goal streak when the Rangers take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Vladislav Gavrikov's unexpected scoring touch has been a bright spot for the struggling Rangers this season, and his long-term contract and defensive prowess make him one of the surest pieces on the team's blue line as they look to retool for the future.