It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re approaching the March 7 trade deadline and there’s plenty of uncertainty in the air. General managers have to make some decisions regarding potential unrestricted free agents. This could especially be a problem for a team that’s in contention. Do they risk having a player walk for nothing by hanging onto them? Or do they think of the future and make a trade?
One team that may have a tough choice to make is the Columbus Blue Jackets. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a defenceman that team has to decide on.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Columbus Blue Jackets Uncertain on Veteran Defenceman
Rumour: In Pierre LeBrun’s latest for The Athletic, he speculates on the future of Blue Jackets defender Ivan Provorov. The blueliner is a UFA at the end of the season and the team needs to figure out what to do with him.
Analysis: Many thought Provorov would be destined to be traded at the deadline. Columbus wasn’t thought of as a team contending for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. However, the Blue Jackets have been playing well and are in the mix for the post-season.
Provorov is a veteran, puck-moving defenceman that probably would fetch a decent return. However, Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell may want to hang onto the Russian defender if the team wants to go for a playoff spot.
LeBrun also mentioned that Provorov is open to sign a contract extension. The insider said that Provorov’s camp and Columbus had talks and agreed to talk again soon. This is a possible good sign for Blue Jackets fans that want to keep the blueliner.
It was also mentioned by LeBrun that there’s mutual interest in getting a deal done. This seems to be a positive development.
What It Means
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to the talks. LeBrun mentioned that its likely Provorov will likely seek a maximum eight-year contract this summer.
One wonders if Waddell would be comfortable making that sort of commitment. Provorov just turned 28 years old last week and a maximum deal would take him deep into his 30s. It may be a risk to give that sort of term to a defenceman that will see his contract end when he’s 36.
The Blue Jackets may also have to worry about Provorov getting a raise. We’ve seen the veteran take up plenty of ice time and he’s only behind Zach Werenski in that category. It seems like a given that Provorov will be seeking a raise from the current $6.75 million in salary that he’s making.
We’ve seen Columbus be able to spend some money in recent months. However, there’s still plenty for them to look forward to when it comes to future deals. Contract extensions for Adam Fantilli and other talented youngsters need to be planned for. Provorov should plan for a massive raise, but Waddell also has to think about the future when it comes to other contracts.
Main photo by: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
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