The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the rumor mill is in full swing. One name that has surfaced recently is Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov, with whispers connecting him to the Colorado Avalanche.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic recently mentioned Provorov as a potential trade candidate for the Avalanche. This has ignited speculation among fans and analysts alike, and for good reason. The Avalanche, despite their Stanley Cup win in 2022, have faced challenges this season due to injuries and inconsistencies on defense. Adding a player like Provorov could be a significant boost to their blue line.
Provorov is a skilled, mobile defenseman with a strong two-way game. He’s capable of logging big minutes and contributing offensively. At 27 years old, he’s in the prime of his career and would be a valuable asset to any contending team. However, there are obstacles to overcome if this trade were to materialize.
Analyzing the Feasibility of an Ivan Provorov Trade
The Avalanche currently have $3.75 million in trade-deadline cap space, while Provorov carries a cap hit of $6.75 million. The Blue Jackets retain $4.725 million of his salary, but even with that, it would be a tight squeeze for Colorado. They would likely need Columbus to retain additional salary or take on a contract in return.
Furthermore, the Avalanche lack a 2025 first-round pick, which could be a sticking point in negotiations. To entice the Blue Jackets, they might need to part with a second-round pick and a top prospect like Cal Ritchie or Mikhail Gulyayev.
My Take:
While I believe Provorov would be an excellent fit in Colorado, this trade seems challenging to pull off. The Avalanche’s limited cap space and lack of a first-round pick in 2025 make it a difficult proposition. However, general manager Chris MacFarland has proven to be creative in the past, so it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
It’s worth noting that the Avalanche have other needs as well, particularly at forward. They may choose to prioritize those needs over acquiring a defenseman, especially given the potential cost of acquiring Provorov.
Ultimately, only time will tell if these rumors come to fruition. But one thing is certain: the Colorado Avalanche are a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
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