Blue Jackets trade for former #7 overall pick Ivan Provorov

CBJ add to their blue line

The Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines again Tuesday when they traded for Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov. 

The Jackets announced the trade today, a trade also involving the Philadelphia Flyers and LA Kings. The Jackets will send their 2023 first round pick, #22 overall to Philly, and a conditional second rounder in either '24 or '25. Meanwhile the Flyers will send 26 year old Ivan Provorov to Columbus. 

Philadelphia will also retain 30% of Provorov's salary. Provorov has two years left on his current deal which carries an AAV of $6.75 million, with 30% retained, should be around 4.72 million. 

So who are the Jackets getting as a player? The former first round pick, 7th overall in 2015 hails from Yaroslavl, Russia. The 6'1'' 201lb Defenseman is sturdy and reliable. Since he was drafted, he is yet to miss a game, which on this Blue Jacket team, will be a welcome sight. 

In his career he has put together 65-152-217 points, while playing in 532 games in seven seasons with the Flyers. in 2022-23, he managed 27 points, scoring 6 goals. In 22 career playoff games, he has 11 points. 

But this trade doesn't come without a bit of controversy. In January 2023, Provorov, citing religious beliefs, boycotted pregame warm-ups which featured Pride -themed equipment. "I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say", said Provorov declining to answer any questions afterwards. CBJ social media was again, for the second time in 4 days, sent into a frenzy. 

That being said, on the ice this seems to be a good deal for the Jackets. A sturdy LHD, who can play lots of minutes and stays healthy. Playing with Zach Werenski, Erik Gudbranson, Adam Boqvist and young stud David Jiricek, they hope to turn the tables on back to back abysmal seasons defensively for the CBJ. 

Some experts say Jarmo Kekäläinen isn't done playing with the roster, and could make a few more moves at the draft. This, coupled with having the #3 overall pick and hiring Mike Babcock, this rebuild is turning into a win sooner rather than later scenario. Can he make it happen?