A New Twist Emerges in Ivan Provorov's Trade Candidacy

Columbus Blue Jackets top-four defenseman Ivan Provorov, the impending unrestricted free agent, has been at or near the top of trade boards for a few weeks now.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the negotiating table: Provorov's younger brother has just committed to Ohio State's hockey program, and older bro really would like to stay in Columbus, regardless. Ivan Provorov's agent says he is very open to discussions of an extension.

“Absolutely,” agent Mark Gandler, told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic about the possibility of Provorov re-signing. “Absolutely.

“Ivan is happy to be in Columbus, happy to play there,” said Gandler. “He thinks that the team is going to go places. It’s clear that the team is better than it was last year. Personally, I have all the confidence in the world in (general manager) Don Waddell’s ability. He’s an experienced manager who knows what he’s doing. I think the team is going to improve every year."

And take it from Provorov himself how he feels about Columbus:

“From the day I got here, I’ve enjoyed my time here,” Provorov told The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline. “I like the city. I love the organization and the boys in the room. For me, I feel great here."

LeBrun warns that there have not been any contract talks yet between Waddell and Provorov, so in the insider's words "he could still be traded... But he absolutely loves it in Columbus."

The 28-year-old is logging 23:15 of ice time per night this season, with 11 points, after garnering 32 points last season in his first year with the Blue Jackets.