Rangers GM Chris Drury wanted to address the team's defensive issues in NHL Free Agency, and that is exactly what he is doing by signing Gavrikov. He is happy to have him in New York.

Re-signing the defenseman was a top priority for both the Kings’ former and new GM, and his exit leaves the team with a big defensive hole.

Vladislav Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the New York Rangers on Tuesday. It has an average annual value of $7 million.