Has Vladislav Gavrikov played his last game as a Blue Jacket?
News
Gavrikov did not participate in line rushes at morning skate and the team announced that he would be scratched due to trade-related reasons.
#CBJ Vladislav Gavrikov not taking line rushes at morning skate. Looks like hell be a healthy scratch tonight.
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) February 14, 2023
LINEUP UPDATE: Blue Jackets D Vladislav Gavrikov will be a healthy scratch for tonights game vs. New Jersey. He is being held out of the lineup for trade-related reasons. #CBJ
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) February 14, 2023
This is similar to what the Arizona Coyotes are doing with defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
ROSTER UPDATE: Coyotes D Jakob Chychrun is a healthy scratch tonight versus the St. Louis Blues due to trade related reasons. F Liam O'Brien is day to day with an upper body injury. Defensemen Victor Soderstrom & Dysin Mayo have been recalled from the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL).
— Arizona Coyotes PR (@AZCoyotesPR) February 12, 2023
The Blue Jackets do not want to risk Gavrikov getting injured as he is their most valuable trade asset for the March 3 deadline.
Notes
Head coach Brad Larsen confirmed that Elvis Merzlikins (6-14-0, 4.34 GAA, .871SV%) will make his second-consecutive start tonight.
#CBJ HC Brad Larsen confirms Elvis Merzlikins will start in goal tonight vs. #NJDevils.
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) February 14, 2023
Here are the lines and power play units from morning skate:
#CBJ lines in morning skate:
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) February 14, 2023
Gaudreau-Jenner-Marchenko
Johnson-Sillinger-Laine
Robinson-Kuraly-Olivier
Foudy-Roslovic-Bemstrom
Berni-Gudbranson
Blankenburg-Peeke
Bayreuther-Boqvist
Merzlikins
Korpisalo
#CBJ PP units at morning skate:
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) February 14, 2023
PP1
Point: Boqvist
LW: Laine
RW: Gaudreau
Bumper: Marchenko
Net-front: Jenner
PP2
Point: Blankenburg
LW: Bemstrom
RW: Johnson
Bumper: Roslovic
Net-front: Sillinger
Sound bites
- Larsen on Gavrikov: "He's a total pro and he gives it every night. He's a guy that you love to be around... he's a quality person first and foremost and he's been outstanding for us."
- Gavrikov on the current situation: "Obviously it's hard waking up and figuring this out. But [I'm] trying to not think about it, trying to be busy and do something because obviously, it's gonna be in your head, right, and the guys are wondering. [There's] not much I can share right now because I know literally nothing but we'll see what happens. Hopefully, the guys can get two points."
The Devils and Blue Jackets face off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Nationwide Arena on Bally Sports Ohio.
