The Columbus Blue Jackets take a blow as top defensive prospect Vladislav Gavrikov has chosen to sign in the KHL for two more years.
Vladislav Gavrikov was a much talked about prospect that many, including myself, thought would be a bottom pairing defenseman for the CBJ this season. Alas, the Russian defender will not be joining the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.
The 21-year-old shut down man has signed a two year contract with St. Petersberg. Gavrikov will join the KHL power after two years with Yaroslavl.
This is certainly disappointing news for the Jackets front office and fans. Many thought that Gavrikov would be coming to the NHL soon as news recently came out that he was in the process of acquiring a work visa.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Olympic Decision
In the press release from SKA St. Petersberg there are several mentions of the Olympics and the value of playing in them for Gavrikov. Thank goodness for google translate. “Олимпийские игры” looks nothing like Olympic Games and we would have no clue that an idiotic NHL decision contributed to the Jackets missing out on Gavrikov.
It seems as though the Columbus Blue Jackets are the first victim of the shortsighted decision by the league to skip the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea. Gavrikov talks about his desire to play for Russia in the games and how that influenced his decision to sign a contract in Russia.
All players take pride in playing for their country in tournaments throughout the year. But no love is more publicly evident by the Russians and playing for the motherland.
Related Story: Blue Jackets that won't Play in Olympics due to Moronic NHL Decision
The fact that a moronic decision by the NHL was even a small factor in the Jackets missing out on a player like Gavrikov should infuriate fans. The idea of not sending the best players to showcase hockey on the largest world stage is beyond comprehension. The idea that it is preventing top notch talent from coming to play in the NHL is pure poetic justice.
It’s unfortunate but there is the possibility that he could leave after next season when the Olympics are over. A much more likely scenario is that the KHL becomes insolvent next season and folds. Either way, next season we will be without Gavrikov, thinning out the potential blue line depth for next season.