With just 12 wins in 39 games, the Columbus Blue Jackets are mired at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with 26 points. As a result, general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen will likely become a seller at the trade deadline for the third straight season.

Vladislav Gavrikov is the Blue Jacket frequently mentioned as a trade candidate. The 27-year-old defenseman is an unrestricted free agent in July. He's in the final season of a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $2.8 million and lacks no-trade protection

On Jan. 3, TSN's Chris Johnston reported a lot of teams like Gavrikov but so do the Jackets. He doesn't believe they have made up their minds to move the 6'3", 221-pound Russian.

A solid defensive blueliner, Gavrikov has stepped up for the Jackets since Zach Werenski suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. His skills and his affordable contract could draw lots of interest if he and Kekäläinen fail to reach an agreement on a contract extension before the March 3 trade deadline.

On Dec. 15, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline suggested re-signing Gavrikov should be a priority for the Jackets. Failing that, he felt they should shop him for a first-round pick. The Columbus Dispatch's Brian Hedger reported on Dec. 26 that contract talks have been at a standstill since the summer.

Critics might scoff at the notion of Kekäläinen getting a first-rounder for Gavrikov. However, it's worth remembering that he landed first-round picks when he traded away Nick Foligno and David Savard in 2021.

Here's our take on five potential trade destinations for Gavrikov and what each club might be willing to part with. You can express your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

Edmonton Oilers

On Dec. 21, The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman wrote that the Edmonton Oilers desperately needed to upgrade the left side of their defense corps if they hope to reach the playoffs. Their depth at that spot is rather thin beyond Darnell Nurse, with Brett Kulak and rookie Philip Broberg currently filling those roles.

Nugent-Bowman believes Jakob Chychrun would be a perfect fit but doubted the Oilers can afford the Arizona Coyotes' asking price. He indicated they have an interest in Gavrikov, who could reduced Nurse's workload and help Nurse get back to playing his best.

On Jan. 2, the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson cited one NHL observer touting Gavrikov's mobility and physical play. A league scout described him as the definition of a defensive defenseman. The big Russian would be an improvement over Kulak and Broberg on the left side of their blue line.

The Oilers have $2.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space, but Matheson believes they'll have to move out a salary. He suggested Jesse Puljujärvi as the 2016 first-round pick could benefit from a change of scenery. The Jackets, however, could seek a first-round pick or a top prospect to accept Puljujärvi as part of the return.

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings could be in the market for some blue-line depth. On Dec. 1, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported they are looking for a left-shot defenseman.

Friedman stated the Kings had been linked to Arizona Coyotes rearguard Jakob Chychrun. If they cannot afford to acquire him, perhaps they'll shift their focus toward a rental player such as Gavrikov.

The Kings are using Sean Durzi on the left side of their second defense pairing but he's a right-handed shot. Gavrikov could move into that position, enabling the Kings to slide Durzi over to the right side.

With a projected $3.7 million in trade deadline cap space, the Kings can afford Gavrikov's remaining cap hit. They could part with a first-round pick but also possess considerable prospect depth. Alex Turcotte or Jordan Spence might be a tempting option.

Toronto Maple Leafs

A strong regular-season club over the past six seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs last advanced past the first round of the playoffs in 2004. On Dec. 21, Sportsnet's Luke Fox called on Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas to make one or two bold moves at this season's trade deadline.

Fox included Gavrikov among his list of players he believes could help the Leafs. At first glance, they appear set on the left side of their blue line with Morgan Rielly, Mark Giordano and Rasmus Sandin. Giordano, however, is 39 and could wear down as the season goes along, while the 22-year-old Sandin still hasn't reached his full potential.

Gavrikov's style of play would make him a solid replacement for Jake Muzzin, who is sidelined indefinitely with a cervical spine injury. His $2.8 million cap hit also makes him a more affordable addition given the Leafs have $1.9 million in projected trade deadline cap space.

Perhaps the Blue Jackets would retain part of Gavrikov's cap hit if the Leafs part with a first-round pick or a high-end prospect as part of the return. The clubs are familiar trading with each other, as the Leafs acquired Nick Foligno from the Jackets in a three-team trade at the 2021 NHL trade deadline.

Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild are in a tight race for a playoff berth in the Western Conference. After finishing second overall last season with a franchise-best 113 points, they're sixth this season (46 points) with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators nipping at their heels.

With a projected $16.5 million in trade deadline cap space, Wild general manager Bill Guerin has room to bolster his roster for another postseason run. Perhaps he'll consider pursuing a deal for Gavrikov to shore up his blue line.

The Wild have Jacob Middleton, Jonas Brodin and Jon Merrill on the left side of their three defense pairings. Gavrikov's defensive style would be a solid fit among their top four, plus his affordable cap hit would leave Guerin with room to make another addition elsewhere.

Thanks to the Wild's prospect depth, Guerin could afford to part with his 2023 or 2024 first-rounder for Gavrikov. He could also use that depth to his advantage if he wants to retain his first-round picks. Offering up a promising player such as defenseman Carson Lambos or winger Liam Öhgren and a lower draft pick might be enticing to the Blue Jackets.

Washington Capitals

Most of the focus on the Washington Capitals this season concerns Alex Ovechkin's ongoing pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. However, they remain very much a playoff contender, sitting in the thick of a tight playoff race in the Metropolitan Division.

Erik Gustafsson, Dmitry Orlov and Martin Fehérváry patrol the left side of their defense corps. Adding Gavrikov and Orlov would provide them with two solid left-side shutdown blueliners among their top four. It would enable them to move Gustafsson to the right side in John Carlson's absence.

Gavirkov's affordable cap hit would also work within the confine of their salary-cap payroll. They have a projected $5 million in trade deadline cap space with Carlson on long-term injury reserve.

Things could get tight once Carlson returns to action. However, the Capitals could get the Jackets to retain half of Gavrikov's remaining cap hit for the right price. Offering up a first-rounder or a prospect such as defenseman Ryan Chesley might get it done if the Jackets don't get any better offers elsewhere.

Standings (as of Jan. 8, 2023) via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly. Line combinations via Daily Faceoff.