Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov will be a healthy scratch against the New Jersey Devils for trade-related reasons.
Gavrikov's name has surfaced as a potential trade deadline option for contending teams as the 27-year-old is in the final year of his deal that comes with a $2.8 million cap hit.
Holding him out of the lineup will allow Columbus to protect one of their top trade assets ahead of the deadline in the same way the Arizona Coyotes have done with Jakob Chychrun.
In 52 games this season, the Russian defenceman has 10 points while averaging a career-high 22:20 of time on ice per game.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported in 32 Thoughts that the Boston Bruins have looked into a trade for Gavrikov along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers who have all been looking for upgrades on the blue line.
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