February 26, 2024 | 10:56pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
PROVOROV TALKS PICKING UP STEAM?
Ivan Provorov, defenceman
With the NHL trade deadline 11 days away, the Columbus Blue Jackets are taking calls on a number of their players, including defenceman Ivan Provorov.
Currently last in the Eastern Conference, the Blue Jackets are open to exploring trade scenarios involving some of their players who are signed beyond this season, as the likes of Provorov, forward Sean Kuraly, defenceman Andrew Peeke, blueliner Jake Bean, and goalie Elvis Merzlikins have seen their names swirl around the trade winds.
Centre Jack Roslovic, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, is available and could be among the players moved out of Columbus by the March 8 deadline.
Provorov, acquired in the off-season in a three-way trade, is in the fifth year of a six-year, $40.5 million contract, though his current cap hit is $4.725 million as the Los Angeles Kings are on the hook for an additional $2.025 million.
Reports surfaced in early-January, well before the Blue Jackets fired GM Jarmo Kekalainen, that Columbus was willing to take calls on Provorov. The Blue Jackets could retain part of Provorov’s remaining contract to help maximize their return and also assist a cap-strapped team.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers are among the teams believed to have interest in Provorov, who does not own any no-trade protection.
In 57 games with the Blue Jackets, to date, Provorov has accumulated five goals and 21 assists for 26 points.