It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re a week away from Christmas Day and a number of general managers are compiling their lists. However, the gift of new roster additions will likely have to wait into the new year. A number of deals have already been made, but the hot stove is going to get warmer in 2025. Defencemen are usually in demand and there are a number of targets. This edition of NHL rumours focuses on a Columbus Blue Jackets defender that could be on the move.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Columbus Blue Jackets Defenceman Could Be Hot Commodity
Rumour: Chris Johnston of The Athletic released his latest big board of trade targets. Columbus blueliner Ivan Provorov is listed as the third-ranked target on the list.
Analysis: The Russian is in his ninth season in the league and he’s logging around 22 minutes per game for the Jackets. He’s been doing well in his second full season with the club. Provorov has been playing in all stages of the game and helped the team at least be competitive.
The 27-year-old is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and could be a rental for a contending team. He currently carries a cap hit of $4.725 million this season and that could be a manageable hit for a team looking for defensive help.
Columbus may be playing above expectations, but the rebuild is still on. Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell knows that he can get something for the veteran defender. It’s tough to part with a good player, but Columbus is going to have to do something to get a decent return.
What Could the Jackets Get in Return?
Johnston said the Blue Jackets could get a first-round pick in return for Provorov. A contending team could use someone like Provorov that can play on both sides of the ice.
Defenders are likely to be in high demand when the trade deadline comes. Provorov is likely to fetch a nice return that will help the Blue Jackets continue their climb up the standings.
Johnston only mentioned the pick coming back should the team make a trade. However, one wonders if the Jackets could get more than just a pick in a deal.
The Rebuild Continues
Columbus has made a number of changes on defence. The Jackets picked up Dante Fabbro off waivers from the Nashville Predators. Waddell also sent David Jiricek to the Minnesota Wild in a deal.
The Blue Jackets are in the middle of a myriad of changes that could see some drastic changes. Columbus has been active in trades and on the waiver wire in trying to kickstart the move up the standings.
We could see some more moves from Waddell and the club in the next few months. This team has done well despite all of the upheaval and tragedy. There’s a long way to go, but the Jackets do have some desirable pieces.
Main photo by: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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