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NHL Trade Rumors: Top insider reports $40.5 Blue Jackets D-man is drawing interest from injury-laden team
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov is currently in the final year of his six-year, $40.5 million contract. This agreement features a $12 million signing bonus and guarantees, with an average salary of $6.75 million. This season, his cap hit stands at $4.725 million, making him a compelling option for teams looking to strengthen their defense.
The Jackets are not in a hurry to trade Provorov, even with interest from other teams. So far this season, he has two assists in his first six games. Last year, he recorded five goals and 27 assists, bringing his total to 32 points in 82 games.
According to the Fourth Period, the Utah Hockey Club is interested in Provorov. General Manager Bill Armstrong is considering options due to injuries to defensemen Sean Durzi and John Marino. He added that while he is not ready to make a move yet, he is monitoring potential trades closely.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun also reported that Provorov is on Armstrong’s radar, and interest in him is expected to grow as the March 7 trade deadline approaches. The Jackets may prefer to hold onto Provorov to maximize their return if they decide to trade him.
“One of the players I'm told he's checked on is Ivan Provorov, the pending UFA defenceman from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Provorov is going to be in high demand closer to March 7’s trade deadline," LeBrun said via TSN.com.
"My sense is that the Blue Jackets may not be ready at this point to deal him. They want to leave this roster alone for now, let this team have a chance, let them fight it out this year, and I don't think they want to take away from the roster too early in the season," he added.
Provorov's contract does not have no-trade protection, which allows for talks about his future. If the Jackets decide to trade him, GM Don Waddell will likely look for the best deal.
TSN analyst highlights Toronto Maple Leafs' struggles against weaker teams like Blue Jackets
After a disappointing 6-2 loss to the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, TSN's Bryan Hayes shared his frustration about the Toronto Maple Leafs' inconsistency. This loss followed a solid 5-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, showing the team's uneven performance.
"Throwing away games to bad teams has always been the Leafs thing. New coach, new players, doesn’t matter. Play great against Tampa and then get pumped by Columbus. Leafy 101," Hayes posted on X/Twitter.
The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Nashville Predators next at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday.
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