Blue Jackets Rumors: Insider Reveals Columbus' Asking Price For Ivan Provorov

5 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors  /  Read Time: 1 minute 17 seconds

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun has highlighted Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets as the top rental defenseman expected to be available ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline, revealing that Columbus is seeking a first-round pick in return. Provorov, 27, is a pending unrestricted free agent with a $4.725 million cap hit, reduced by salary retention from last summer’s three-team trade involving the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings. LeBrun compared this asking price to recent deals for rental defensemen like Noah Hanifin and Sean Walker, both of whom fetched first-round picks last season, noting, “The market for top-four blueliners who log significant minutes is strong.”"He was a guy that proved kind of really quickly, 'hey I could be a 40-to-50 point defenceman in this league.' And then I don't know what happened with him." - @frank_seravalli Should Edmonton be weary of an Ivan Provorov trade?Oilersnation Everyday Presented by… pic.twitter.com/UmgtvFRXNQ— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) November 21, 2024 Currently averaging nearly 24 minutes of ice time per game, Provorov has been a reliable presence for Columbus, combining steady offensive production with the ability to handle heavy workloads. His manageable cap hit and expiring contract make him an attractive option for contenders seeking defensive depth without a long-term commitment. LeBrun acknowledged that while the Blue Jackets are hesitant to trade Provorov immediately, the team’s position outside the playoff picture will likely push them to prioritize asset management. “If a contender in January or February offers up a first-round pick for Provorov, the Jackets won’t wait to pull the trigger,” LeBrun said on Insider Trading.Frank Seravalli says it would not cost much to acquire Ivan Provorov. He was asked to do way too much by his teams but a 2nd pair spot may bring his full confidence back.Sounds like a spot in Edmonton— Karman Gill (@Kgill39) November 21, 2024 Timing will be crucial for Columbus as they weigh offers against the risk of injuries or a cooling market. LeBrun noted that teams willing to meet the asking price early could accelerate the process, much like Winnipeg’s early acquisition of Sean Monahan last year. With several playoff-bound teams already expressing interest, Provorov’s ability to bolster a blue line is expected to make him one of the most sought-after players as the trade deadline approaches. As LeBrun concluded, “The business of the game will take over at some point,” and Provorov’s availability is poised to dominate trade discussions in the months ahead.Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images...

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