Rangers star says Vladislav Gavrikov ‘perfect complement’ on top defense pair
Lots of things went wrong for the New York Rangers in 2025-26, as they missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second straight season. But one thing that did go right, according to Adam Fox, was the way newcomer Vladislav Gavrikov slid seamlessly into the role of his partner on the top defense pairing.
“I thought it was really good,” Fox said Friday at Rangers breakup day. “I think he’s the perfect complement for me.”
Fox finished the season tied for fourth on the Rangers with 53 points in 55 games. He missed the other 27 games with injuries – a big reason the Blueshirts ended up last in the Eastern Conference. But he and Gavrikov excelled during the time they were together. According to Natural Stat Trick. the Rangers had an outstanding expected goal share of 58.49 percent and outscored opponents 32-25 in the 872:16 Fox and Gavrikov were on the ice together at 5-on-5. They also had a 446-304 edge in scoring chances and a 200-112 advantage (64.10 percent) in high-danger scoring chances.
The 2021 Norris Trophy winner said he was happy how quickly the two blended their skills, after the Rangers signed Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract as a free agent July 1.
“I played with ‘Lindy’ (Ryan Lindgren) pretty much my whole career in the NHL,” Fox said of his longtime former partner, whom the Rangers dealt to the Colorado Avalanche before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline and signed with the Seattle Kraken last summer.
“Vlad has a lot of similar tendencies. He might jump into the offense a little more, and I’m happy to see him do that. Obviously, if you score 14 goals, you’re contributing a fair bit offensively.”
Adam Fox reflects on ‘disappointing year’ after Rangers miss playoffs again
Not only were Gavrikov’s 14 goals a career high, they were a huge jump for a defensive defenseman who had never scored more than six times in a season before coming to New York. But he also gave Fox a partner who could let him take advantage of his offensive skills without worrying about getting caught.
“Defensively, he’s just steady,” Fox explained. “I think that’s the biggest thing. I play my best when I can read off someone and know where they’re going to be and they’re predictable. I was really happy with how we played and how quickly we formed a good pair.”
Fox isn’t the only one impressed with Gavrikov.
When asked Friday if he felt a difference in how the Rangers defended in front of him this season, goaltender Igor Shesterkin said simply, “We got Gavi.”
Despite the effectiveness of the Fox-Gavrikov pairing, the Rangers were out of the playoff race before the Olympic break began in early February. Fox said he and his teammates have some soul-searching to do before training camp opens in September.
“Any time you’re doing these exit meetings this time of year, it’s a disappointing year,” he stated. “I think really all each guy could do is look at what they could do better next year, what they could bring a little more to not have the year go like this. Definitely when a season goes like this, these guys have to do some reflecting and take advantage of the long offseason and come back better.’
But contrary to Fox’s vague, non-committal comments in February, the star defenseman sounded like a player committed to the retool and ready to return next season.
“I think no matter what we’re always going to come in and have a high bar and try and win. I think that’s the biggest thing. I think each of us is going to come in and try and take advantage of the time we have now. I think, no matter what, trying to win a Stanley Cup is lofty goal, maybe, but I think that’s all you could do is come in and try and attack training camp and go from there.”
Fox and the Rangers took a boo-bath on too many nights at Madison Square Garden, where they finished 14-20-7 on home ice, with a franchise-record seven of the regulation losses by shutout. Some fans showed their displeasure by not showing up – the Blueshirts had just one announced sellout in their final 17 home games. Many of those who did show up made their displeasure known loudly and clearly.
“It sucks when you’re not giving them a product to be proud of,” he said of the Garden Faithful. “That’s on us, I think. The second half of the year was something to be proud of. We understand their frustration. They’re a big part of our team in terms of energy, especially at the Garden. We want to deliver something that they can be proud of. Obviously, it’s a passionate fan base — just giving them something to be proud of.
“The results are the results, but the effort is something we can control.”
