After a largely quiet offseason to this point, the New York Rangers made a big splash when the NHL free-agent market opened Tuesday, signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a reported seven-year, $49 million contract ($7 million average annual value).

Coming off a 30-point season in Los Angeles last season, one would be the big-bodied physical blueliner the Rangers have wanted.

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.