Gavrikov had 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) and was plus-26 in 82 regular-season games for the Los Angeles Kings last season. He also led them with 140 blocked shots and played 23:05 per game, second behind Drew Doughty (24:08), who only played 30 games.

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.

With Brock Boeser, Vancouver took one of the more high-profile free agents off the board in what was already regarded as a depleted pool of talent.