The New York Rangers signed Vladislav Gavrikov — considered the top defensive free agent available after three seasons with the Kings — to a seven-year contract.

Gavrikov, 29, signed a contract for $49 million over 7 years with the New York Rangers on Tuesday, leaving the Kings with a gaping hole in their defense corps above the one left by the trade of Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators for draft picks last Saturday.

There was widespread belief that the New York Rangers would sign Vladislav Gavrikov, but the contract looks like a steal.