Columbus Blue Jackets defensemen Ivan Provorov and David Jiricek surfaced on NHL trade boards recently.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have shown signs of life lately, winning three straight games to move within three points of a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.
Nevertheless, the Blue Jackets have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill, with two of their defensemen the focus of attention.
The first is Ivan Provorov, eligible to become a UFA in July. Chris Johnston of The Athletic has the 27-year-old defenseman atop his NHL trade board, suggesting the rebuilding Blue Jackets could peddle him for a first-round pick before the March 7 trade deadline.
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli has Provorov at No. 4 on his trade targets list. He points out the Blue Jackets carry $4.75 million of his $6.75 million average annual value, with the Los Angeles Kings carrying $2.025 million. Seravalli suggested the Jackets could offer to retain up to half of their share as an option to facilitate a trade.
On Nov. 21, TSN's Pierre LeBrun called Provorov the NHL's top rental defenseman leading up to March 7. He said teams are calling the Blue Jackets about the veteran rearguard. They aren't willing to part with him yet as they want to give their club as much time as possible to remain competitive. However, LeBrun believes it's only a matter of time until they trade Provorov.
David Jiricek is the other Blue Jackets defenseman drawing attention in the rumor mill. The 20-year-old blueliner only saw a handful of games with the Jackets before being sent down to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland last week.
Johnston and Seravalli also have Jiricek on their trade lists. The sixth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft has bounced between Columbus and Cleveland over the last two seasons, struggling to adjust to different coaches and management.
RG.Org's Jim Biringer cited a source close to the Blue Jackets suggesting Jiricek could be traded soon. He listed the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators as possible destinations, especially the Oilers, as they seek a replacement for departed right-shot defenseman Philip Broberg.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman thinks teams are making legitimate offers for the 6-foot-3 Jiricek. However, he doesn't believe the Oilers are a match, as they'd lack the assets to land him. He speculates the Blue Jackets would want a player of comparable value in return.
The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reports Jackets GM Don Waddell isn't in any hurry to trade Jiricek and there were no firm trade offers as of the middle of last week. He also indicated the young blueliner hasn't requested a trade and hasn't expressed an unwillingness to play for the Jackets.
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