As the NHL free agency market nears, a pretty weak blueliner cast means only three major options can be considered for those in need of a top four defenseman next season, and are all seeking similar amounts, and have little splitting them apart. The LA Kings Vladislav Gavrikov, the Florida Panthers Aaron Ekblad, and the Columbus Blue Jackets Ivan Provorov are the top three rated defenseman in this year's free agency, but choices over which one could be harder than teams think.
Starting with duration and salary, all being a similar age makes it easy to consider what contracts to consider, but reports believe both Gavrikov and Ekblad could be seeking another long twerk deal, Gavrikov in particular seeking six to seven years on his deal, and at 29 could be a deal breaker for some. Provorov on the other hand could decide to settle for four years or even five with Columbus, but should consider a move away had salary be his main concern. But how does each player's finances split them? Gavrikov’s supposed ‘breakout’ season means he is rumoured to ask $7.5 million AAV and above, similar to Ekblad’s current contract in Florida. Provorov on the other hand will definitely look to increase his current $4 million plus to at least six or seven a year. What splits the three in terms of salary is Ekblad’s willingness to decrease as many believe his desire to stay in Florida could be a factor for some wiggle room in his negotiations.
While all have their own terms on salary duration, and other additions, what really is the trouble splitting them is their on ice abilities. Sure Provorov and Ekblad have had substantially longer in the NHL compared to Gavrikov, but it seems after this year, the 29 year old Russian has proved he is the premium d-man this year, and could easily fetch up to $8 million AAV after a stunning season in LA. Being a very solid defensive defenseman, ending the year with a solid +26, and 30 points, it is his defense which has really put him higher on the list for teams this offseason. While Provorov and Ekblad are both extremely effective as two way defensemen, the ask is probably not going to favour teams in need of a solid top four defensive d-man, but both have exceptional ability to move the puck to dangerous areas could sway teams in need of some creativity.
It is extremely hard to say who will be number one of every team's board across these three, but its seems everything is lining up for Gavrikov to be earning the big bucks this summer. Whether he returns to LA had they offer him a solid $8 million deal which is definitely still likely, or had another team such as Philadelphia put their money where their mouth is and take a chance on Gavrikov, his production alongside his perfect defensive ability is exactly why he is the one to watch this summer. As Bill Zito and Florida work on Ekblad, and Columbus try to get Provorov to move down a little bit despite their humongous amount of cap space, some big deals for all three could be seen this summer, but the three are still evenly hard to split. The offensive and physical abilities of Provorov? The playmaking and winning mentality of Ekblad? Or the defensive talent and power of Gavrikov? A tough call to make this summer for NHL general managers.
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