The Philadelphia Flyers Entertain Offers for Ivan Provorov

The Philadelphia Flyers need a miracle to make the playoffs this year. Ivan Provorov may be available to sell in a trade if they get a good return.

The Philadelphia Flyers' struggles this season have seen notable players like Kevin Hayes and James van Riemsdyk surface in the NHL rumor mill. Now, it's Ivan Provorov's turn.

It began with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek discussing the defenseman's future on their latest “32 Thoughts” podcast. Friedman believed Provorov, who turns 26 on Jan. 13, could come up in the rumor mill. He's heard there was a discussion over whether it was time for him to move on, as things haven't worked out with the Flyers.

Marek suggested the Vegas Golden Knights as a trade destination. Provorov played for Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon when he coached the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings during the blueliner's tenure there from 2014 to 2016.

Friedman doubted the cap-strapped Golden Knights could pull off that deal. Marek also felt Provorov might benefit from playing for Winnipeg Jets coach Rick Bowness, who helped boost the careers of Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman and Dallas' Miro Heiskanen.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reports multiple sources confirmed the Flyers are listening to offers for Provorov, but a deal doesn't seem imminent. Appearing on the NHL Network, Friedman said the Flyers are concerned the blueliner might thrive elsewhere, so they'll want a really good return.

Cap Friendly indicates Provorov lacks no-trade protection. He also carries a $6.75-million salary cap hit through 2024-25. 

Given how many teams lack cap space this season, the Flyers would have to retain a healthy chunk of his cap hit or take back a comparable contract in the deal. They might wait until the off-season when teams have more cap room and perhaps a willingness to take on his full cap hit.