Blue Jackets Rumors: Columbus receiving trade offers on Ivan Provorov

According to the Fourth Period, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been receiving trade calls on defenseman Ivan Provorov.

The 27-year-old blueliner is a pending unrestricted free agent, in the final season of a six-year, $40.5 million contract. With some salary retention on his current deal, Provorov's cap hit is just $4.72 million for interested teams.

TFP's report includes notion that Pierre LeBrun of TSN has mentioned Utah HC as a potential landing spot, and considering their injury woes to John Marino and Sean Durzi, it does make sense. “Provorov is going to be in high demand closer to (the) March 7th trade deadline,” LeBrun said. “My sense, though, is that the Blue Jackets may not be ready at this point to deal him.”

Through six games this season, Provorov has recorded two assists and is coming off a 32-point campaign last season. He does not own any trade protection and can be moved at will.

The Blue Jackets are expected to be open to just about anything leading up to the trade deadline this season, as the team is not expected to contend for a playoff spot and is solely looking ahead to the future of the team, and continuing to rebuild in Columbus.

EARLY TRADING - @PierreVLeBrun on Utah HC and the Habs exploring the trade market, and the role players Team Finland is eyeing for the 4 Nations Face-off: https://t.co/IlYuWZy7Sz

Be sure to watch an expanded Insider Trading later today on SportsCentre & https://t.co/BQGeAnElqf. pic.twitter.com/Xbleb7kZkt
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 24, 2024