Talks are beginning to heat up between defenseman Ivan Provorov and the Columbus Blue Jackets on a long-term extension as per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
The soon-to-be unrestricted free agent is highly interested in signing an extension with Columbus. Early discussions indicate a shared interest in exploring a potential agreement.
Provorov is reported to aim for a maximum eight-year extension and a salary increase. While his current deal is worth $6.75 million annually, Columbus is only responsible for $4.725 million of it, with the Los Angeles Kings retaining 30% of his contract.
More NHL: Penguins Looking to Trade Many Big-Name Players: Report
If no extension is reached by the trade deadline on March 7, the Blue Jackets would likely be in the market to receive a first-round pick offer for Provorov.
He is listed as TSN's No. 21 trade-bait player, which is the sixth-overall defenseman and second-overall left-side defenseman.
What adds another layer of complication to the situation is that the Blue Jackets hold the second wild-card spot. They've emerged as an unexpected playoff contender, holding a 23-18-7 overall record.
After Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Blue Jackets found are tied in points percentage with the Senators and Canadiens. Columbus sits at 53 points in 48 games, while Ottawa and Montreal each have 52 points in 47 games.
More NHL: Leafs' Auston Matthews Criticizes Silent Home Crowd After Ryan Reaves Fight
Provorov has collected 20 points through 48 games, which sets him on pace to eclipse the 32 he posted in his first season as a Blue Jacket in 2023-24.
According to Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Columbus has minimal interest in mid-round picks for its unrestricted free agents. The team has support to aim higher, and I'd take the same approach rather than settling for a low return. Some players have even referred to captain Boone Jenner, sidelined before the season, as "our deadline acquisition."
More NHL: Prediction Has Oilers as Top Stanley Cup Team Above Jets, Knights
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has recently secured budget-friendly extensions for pending UFA Zach Aston-Reese and potential RFA Jake Christiansen. Meanwhile, players like Justin Danforth, Sean Kuraly, and Mathieu Olivier up front, along with defensemen Dante Fabbro and Jack Johnson, are expected to stay in Columbus for the rest of the season, regardless of extension talks.
More NHL:
Rangers' Biggest Position Need Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline
Wild Activate Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon From IR
For more on the NHL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Is This Article Trustworthy?
Is This Article Trustworthy?
Newsweek is committed to journalism that is factual and fair
We value your input and encourage you to rate this article.
Newsweek is committed to journalism that is factual and fair
We value your input and encourage you to rate this article.
Slide Circle to Vote
No Moderately Yes
VOTE
About the writer
Sean Treppedi
Sean is a sports journalist who covers the NHL and NFL for Newsweek. He previously covered sports betting for the ...
Read more
English (US) ·