Sabres Should Be Eyeing Blue Jackets Star Defender

This Blue Jackets defenseman could get the Sabres' attention.

The NHL trade market has some notable defensemen on it, including Noah Hanifin (Calgary Flames), Chris Tanev (Flames), Jakob Chychrun (Ottawa Senators), and Sean Walker (Philadelphia Flyers). However, a new name has been starting to pick up some trade chatter in Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov.

While the Buffalo Sabres have not been connected to Provorov, he is a player who could grab their attention over the next week and a half. This is because he is a legitimate top-four defenseman who would strengthen their defensive group immensely. 

Provorov, 27, has experience playing the right side, so he could be a strong fit on the Sabres' second pairing with Owen Power if acquired. He could also be an option to play top-pairing minutes with Rasmus Dahlin. Along with that, he would be an obvious fit for their power play and their penalty kill because of his strong two-way play. 

Provorov would also make sense for the Sabres because he is under contract until the end of next season. Because of this, he would be more than a rental and would help them beyond this campaign. 

With the Sabres needing to improve their defense, a player like Provorov is worth at least some consideration. Let's see if they end up making a push for him as we continue to inch closer to the deadline from here. 

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