The New York Rangers’ acquisition of defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov necessitated a departure of equal magnitude. As has been expected for weeks, the Rangers are trading K’Andre Miller. It is a small twist of fate that he stays within the division, and to the team that arguably offers the Rangers the toughest competition.

The frenzy of multiple signings when NHL free agency opened Tuesday was tempered by a free agent class thinned by teams making pre-emptive moves to keep top talent.

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.