THE EDMONTON OILERS NEED TO STOP TRADE TALKS IMMEDIATELY REGARDING THIS DEFENSEMEN

The real truth may not be related to Gavrikov's actual play at all, which is that team executives and broadcasters don't really know how to define him, and so because he blocks shots and throws the occasional crosscheck in front of the net, he gets labeled as physical and it sticks.

Unfortunately, it's an incorrect characterization, because Gavrikov is not physical in the traditional sense of creating contact and winning pucks in contested areas. He contains offense more than he stops it, and he tries to force opponents into worse spots to shoot rather than separating forwards from pucks, which would win back possession for his team.

Opponents have keyed in on the fact that Gavrikov isn't a great puck mover, especially under pressure. He resorts to rimming the puck, in an attempt to bypass the forecheck, rather than to escape pressure and find better outlets.
With space, he makes simple plays but nothing flashy. He will occasionally join the rush, but he is more of a decoy than a threat.
Gavrikov's foot speed has always been on the plus-side of the ledger, but this season has presented some concern. He has taken twice as many penalties as he's drawn, and while a minus differential is normal for a defender, double the pleasure is not double the fun for the Jackets.