NHL News: Mike Sullivan, Rangers emerge as strong candidates for potential Kings' UFA, according to reports

Big things are on the horizon for the New York Rangers—or so they hope following Mike Sullivan’s arrival in the Concrete Jungle. After hoisting two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sullivan knows what it takes to win in the NHL—and it’s not necessarily having household names on every line. On that note, the Broadway Blueshirts have reportedly set their sights on a potential unrestricted free agent from the Los Angeles Kings. He may not be the talk of the town, but his impact could be.

The Rangers are coming off a 2024-25 NHL season where everything that could’ve gone wrong did—at supersonic speed. When it rains, it pours, and not even Broadway’s marquees offered refuge for the Blueshirts.

Following the Presidents’ Trophy campaign one year ago, the Rangers’ once-considered solid core collapsed, and the organization in New York City now finds itself at the gates of a new beginning. It might all be for the best, but hard work will be needed from Sullivan’s Rangers, and several pieces must be added to the tricky puzzle in Manhattan.

Aiming to strengthen their defense core, Sullivan and the Rangers might already have one preferred candidate among the plentiful crop of free agents set to hit the open market in the NHL. However, the ball is on the Kings‘ court, as they must first decide whether defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov becomes an unrestricted free agent or they re-sign him.

Head coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the first period of the game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on October 29, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

“The Rangers could take a run at Vladislav Gavrikov if he hits the open market,” as reported by insider Arthur Staple.

see also

Mike Sullivan’s net worth: How much money does the New York Rangers coach have?

Replacement

Gavrikov, a left-handed defenseman, would be a natural fit to fill in for K’Andre Miller, whose signing rights the Rangers are actively shopping in the NHL. Miller is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA), and New York appears ready to part ways with the 25-year-old. The decision seems strictly financially-motivated, as the Rangers’ cap situation steers them away from re-signing the young blueliner.

“Teams are saying New York could also shake up its blue line, with Miller and Carson Soucy potentially available,” insider James Mirtle stated in a recent report.

Gavrikov doesn’t boast Miller’s point-production, but he plays a well-rounded 200-feet game which the Rangers are in desperate need for. If Miller is eventually shipped out of New York, expect the Rangers to keep an eye out for Gavrikov’s situation in Los Angeles.