Rumor: Trade Talks Involving Ivan Provorov "Picking Up Steam"

TheFourthPeriod.com released an article late last night suggesting that several CBJ players could be on the move on trade deadline day. 

The article says: 

The Blue Jackets are open to exploring trade scenarios involving some of their players who are signed beyond this season, as the likes of Provorov, forward Sean Kuraly, defenceman Andrew Peeke, blueliner Jake Bean, and goalie Elvis Merzlikins have seen their names swirl around the trade winds.

-

It also mentions the following about Provorov: 

Reports surfaced in early-January, well before the Blue Jackets fired GM Jarmo Kekalainen, that Columbus was willing to take calls on Provorov. The Blue Jackets could retain part of Provorov’s remaining contract to help maximize their return and also assist a cap-strapped team.

-

Of all the names mentioned, Sean Kuraly is the one that hasn't really been brought up before. Kuraly has played in 49 games this season. He's scored 9 goals and has 15 points and is also an important player in the bottom six. Kuraly is signed through the 2025 season at $2.5 million AAV. He's also a valued veteran on this team, and the Jackets would be wise to keep him, for now. 

When it comes to Ivan Provorov, I've personally thought from the beginning that bringing him in was a stopgap until young guys like David Jiricek, Denton Mateychuk, and Stanislav Svozil were NHL-ready. David Jiricek, through all the controversy, is probably the one who is next in line to make the permanent leap into the NHL. Some will say he's ready now, while the Jackets seem to disagree. 

But moving Provorov, who is a Left D, only frees up that spot on the left side. Svozil and Mateychuk are LD and could be ready to move into that spot next season. Jiricek is a RD, and at this time the Jackets have way too many players who play Right D including Bean, Boqvist, Gudbranson, and Severson. Jake Bean has also been able to play both sides, which helps. 

Acting GM John Davidson said in a radio interview last week and said, "I don't think you'll see anything major. One of the main reasons for that is, we're going to have a new general manager. That person has to be in the chair and not look and say what the hell did you guys do that for?" They traded Emil Bemström last week in a minor deal, might that be the kind of deals we see? 

Ivan Provorov currently has 5 goals and 26 points, and there are a few teams that could use a veteran guy like him. 

What will JD and CBJ do?

What's Next - The Jackets travel to NYC on Wednesday to take on the Rangers at 7 p.m.

More From THN Columbus

Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.