New York Rangers Vladislav Gavrikov’s key development can help Rangers beyond top pair By Ethan Sears Published April 24, 2026, 9:01 p.m. ET Vladislav Gavrikov of the New York Rangers skates against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on April 8, 2026 in New York City. NHLI via Getty Images A lack of offense was at the root of the Rangers’ issues this season, but defensively, first-year head coach Mike Sullivan implemented a puck pursuit-heavy system designed to support one another as a five-man unit.
Compared to last season, in which they were consistently burned on defensive breakdowns and odd-man rushes against, the Blueshirts showed flashes of the stingy defense Sullivan has in mind.
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When Igor Shesterkin was asked about the defensive improvements in front of him, however, the star Rangers goalie pointed to one player.
“We got Gavi,” he said with a smirk, referring to 2025 offseason free agent signing Vladislav Gavrikov.
