Gavrikov, 29, signed a contract for $49 million over 7 years with the New York Rangers on Tuesday, leaving the Kings with a gaping hole in their defense corps above the one left by the trade of Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators for draft picks last Saturday.

There was widespread belief that the New York Rangers would sign Vladislav Gavrikov, but the contract looks like a steal.

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.