The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a major move by acquiring defenceman Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers in a three-team deal that also involves the Los Angeles Kings. TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston broke the news of this major trade. As part of the deal, the Kings will also retain a portion of Provorov’s salary. At the same time, the Kings are expected to make an attempt at re-signing pending unrestricted free agent defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov after clearing cap space with this deal.
Provorov is a 26-year-old defenceman that scored six goals and totaled 27 points in 82 games with the Flyers during the last season. Originally selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2015 Draft, Provorov made his debut for the team in the 2016-17 season. He will be entering the fifth season of his six-year, $40.5 million contract with the Blue Jackets. This contract was signed in September of 2019 and when it expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, Provorov will become an unrestricted free agent.
Ivan Provorov was born in Yaroslavl, Russia and became the first player in the NHL to refuse to wear a Pride Night-themed jersey last season, citing “religious beliefs.” Despite this decision, he has been a highly productive player in his career. In 532 career NHL games, all with the Flyers, Provorov has 65 goals and 217 points. His defensive prowess and high offensive output make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
This trade has significant implications for the Blue Jackets, Flyers, and Kings. The Blue Jackets are looking to take their team to the next level and acquiring a player like Provorov could be a key move in achieving that goal. The Flyers are now without one of their top defencemen and will need to look for ways to fill that hole in their roster. The Kings are shedding salary to make moves towards re-signing their own pending free agents. All of these teams will need to navigate the complexities of the salary cap as they continue to build their rosters for the upcoming season and beyond.
In terms of Provorov’s impact on the Blue Jackets’ roster, it cannot be overstated. His ability to play defense at a high level while also contributing offensively is a rare combination in today’s NHL. He will undoubtedly be a cornerstone player for the Blue Jackets for years to come. The team now has a strong defensive corps that includes Provorov, Seth Jones, and Zach Werenski. This group will be tasked with shutting down some of the league’s top offensive players and will be relied upon heavily in big games.
Overall, the trade for Ivan Provorov is a significant move for the Columbus Blue Jackets. They are adding a top-tier player to their roster and are looking to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup. Provorov’s contributions on defense and offense will be crucial for the team’s success. It will be interesting to see how this trade impacts the Flyers, Kings, and the rest of the NHL in the coming weeks and months.
