Report: Blue Jackets have trade in place to send Gavrikov to Atlantic Division team

Vladislav Gavrikov's time as a Columbus Blue Jacket is coming to a close and it could end as early as today, with a trade reportedly in place with an Atlantic Division team.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Blue Jackets have a deal in place to send Gavrikov to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a package including a first and third-round picks. The only thing holding the deal back from being official is that the Bruins need to clear cap space to allow Gavrikov onto their active roster.

Pagnotta went on to add that the Bruins have made it known to other teams that forward Craig Smith is available, who has a cap hit of $3.1 million. But the Blue Jackets won't wait around forever and could pivot to another team, if one swoops in.

Gavrikov, 27, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st and reports have indicated that last month, the Blue Jackets have allowed his agent to talk about a contract extension with interested teams. Although, it's unclear if there have been talks between the Bruins and Gavrikov's camp.

The Yaroslavl (Russia) native has been a healthy scratch for trade-related reasons for the last four games. In 52 games this season, he has ten points (three goals, seven assists), 30 penalty minutes and is a minus-eight.

...#CBJ won't wait forever. It's understood that if another team swoops in with a competitive/better offer, they could go that route. Ball (or puck) is in Boston's court as they try to make the $ work. Adding Gavrikov could surely eliminate Boston from the Chychrun talk. (2/2)— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 21, 2023

MUST READ

15 minutes ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Even NHL executives are stunned by the latest twist in the Dylan Larkin trade

1 hour ago  |  By David St-Jean The Oilers have officially chosen their next head coach, per Stauffer

1 hour ago  |  By David St-Jean We finally know what Kent Hughes turned down for a second-line center, and it's unbelievable

2 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean The Canadiens may be rethinking their plans for Ivan Demidov

3 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Oilers owner sidesteps Stan Bowman as coaching search takes unexpected turn

3 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Brendan Gallagher makes a statement that already has Canadiens fans excited

5 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean It's official: Gavin McKenna's worst-case scenario has come true

5 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Vancouver Canucks decision involving Brendan Gallagher is finally confirmed: there is officially interest

MORE STORIES