Updated: Mar 22
We are only a few weeks into the NHL season, but a number of trade rumours have begun to float around the league with one name appearing more often than other, Blue Jackets Defenseman Ivan Provorov. The Russian defenseman has been on Columbus’s trade block since way back in January 2024, when Columbus tried to shop him at the deadline, but this year it looks like they are looking to move the defenseman on more quickly than expected. Provorov arguably has the most attractive contract in the NHL with 1 year remaining on his deal, being paid $4.25 million due to salary retention making this contract a must have for any playoff contender. But one team who already stands out in the Provorov trade talks is the Winnipeg Jets. With one of the hottest stars in NHL history, the Jets are still dealing with arguably a middle tier defence and are in desperate need for another top pair defenseman to match up with Josh Morrisey, and Provorov seems to be the perfect fit. Despite the Russian defenseman and the Blue Jackets also having a hot start to the season, they are still in deep rebuilding mode, and shopping Provorov for future assets is a no brainer at this point. With only 1 year remaining on his contract, the Jets are a perfect landing spot for the defenseman as they push for the playoffs, and the almost 28 year old will have the option of resigning with the team in 2025, or testing free agency, and signing another long term deal.
This trade would be exactly what is needed in Winnipeg, another heavy checking defenseman who can accompany a two way guy like Morrisey, but the issue isn't the fit, it's the money. With Winnipeg having just over $3 million in cap space they would either need Columbus to retain part of the salary which is very possible with Columbus having $21 million in cap space, or moving another player on to a rebuilding Columbus team. For example, with salary retention involved in the trade, the Jets could give up defenseman Hayden Fleury who has a cap hit of $775,000 and 1 year remaining on his deal, and a third or fourth round pick for Provorov which would be a good deal for both teams. Or had the Blue Jackets gone down the prospect route, the Jets would have to sacrifice a future asset in order to capitalise on this year's playoff opportunities. A player who would stand out to Columbus would be 23 year old prospect Ville Heinola who is currently suffering with a lengthy ankle injury, but would be a great asset to acquire for when he returns, although it's unlikely the jets would trade the young defenseman yet. All signs point to the Jets when mentioning Provorov trade rumours, and it seems they have everything they need to acquire the elite defenseman, it's just a question of when they will pounce, or whether they are beaten to it.
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