Blue Jackets Make Huge Decision on Ivan Provorov

The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the feel-good stories of the NHL season. After the Gaudreau tragedy last fall, the team has defied the odds and numerous injuries and put themselves into playoff contention, currently in the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

With that, GM Don Waddell struggled with whether or not to sell his prized UFA and trade candidate Ivan Provorov. The two sides are far apart on any potential extension. But Waddell has now made his decision: Provorov isn't going anywhere. He is off the trade market.

“I’m not going to trade him… What these guys have gone through - for me to rip out a key player right now, I just don’t feel good doing it.”#CBJ GM Don Waddell on Ivan Provorov’s extension negotiations with @RealKyper & @jtbourne.

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In an interview on Sportsnet The Fan 590, Waddell told Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne:

"What these guys have gone through this year, and how they've stuck together, I can't even comprehend how they've done it all year long with all the injuries and everything we've had," said Waddell. "For me to rip out a key player of our locker room right now, I just don't feel good doing it. I told his agent yesterday I'm not going to trade him."

The GM is still confident that they'll be able to work out an extension after the season with their top-four defenseman. "He's been a big part of our success this year and hopefully we'll get him signed this summer."

The nine-year veteran is logging 23:28 time on ice per night, and has 28 points and a +7 rating in 61 games. He's also blocked 96 shots.

Provorov, 28, is coming off a six-year deal that paid him $6.75 million annually.

The Blue Jackets are 30-23-8 for 68 points in the first Wild Card spot, but only four back of the injury-riddled New Jersey Devils for third place. The Devils just lost superstar Jack Hughes for the rest of the season.