Blue Jackets sign KHL's Gavrikov to 2-year, entry-level deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Saturday.

Columbus drafted Gavrikov in the sixth round of the 2015 draft and has been working to bring him to North America since his season with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL ended earlier this week.

"Vladislav is an outstanding defenseman who excels at both ends of the ice," Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He is big, strong, and mobile and has enjoyed a successful career in the KHL and in international competition, including winning an Olympic gold medal last year. We are very excited about his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets."

Gavrikov, a 23-year-old left-handed shot, notched five goals and 15 assists in 60 KHL games this season.