December 17, 2024 | 1:30pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

TRADE TARGET PROVOROV OPEN TO EXTENSION WITH JACKETS

Ivan Provorov, defenceman

Several teams have expressed interest in Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Ivan Provorov, who is among the top candidates to be traded by this season’s March 7 trade deadline.

Provorov, 27, is in the final year of a six-year, $40.5 million contract and comes with a $4.725 million cap hit, as the Los Angeles Kings are eating $2.025 million on his cap figure.

The Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers are some of the teams believed to be eyeing Provorov, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.

However, as reported by Pierre LeBrun in The Athletic on Tuesday, Provorov has enjoyed his time in Columbus and could be open to exploring a contract extension with the Blue Jackets.

“Ivan is happy to be in Columbus, happy to play there,” Provorov’s agent, Mark Gandler, told The Athletic, “He thinks that the team is going to go places. It’s clear that the team is better than it was last year. Personally, I have all the confidence in the world in (GM) Don Waddell’s ability. He’s an experienced manager who knows what he’s doing. I think the team is going to improve every year.

“So we’ll just wait and see where it goes.”

Contract discussions between the Waddell and Gandler are not expected to commence until the New Year, but it may be in the team’s best interest to trade him and then explore the possibility of bringing him back as a free agent in the summer.

The Blue Jackets are 13th in the Eastern Conference and while they are within reach of a wildcard spot, their trajectory suggests they are more likely to miss the playoffs this season.

In 31 games with the Blue Jackets so far this season, Provorov has registered two goals and nine assists for 11 points, along with 12 penalty minutes.