Why did the Columbus Blue Jackets win the 3 team trade with the Flyers and Kings?

For why the Flyers may have won the trade, follow the link below.

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/analysis/why-flyers-won-ivan-provorov-trade-blue-jackets-kings

The Columbus Blue Jackets have said multiple times since the season ended, that the blue line will be a point of emphasis this summer. They addressed that issue yesterday by trading for Ivan Provorov. The last few seasons have been derailed by injuries and a lack of experience. Adding the 26 year old Provorov helps in every category. 

Why did the Blue Jackets make this trade? GM Jarmo Kekäläinen has said publicly that the blue line needs to improve, no exceptions. So whether by trade, or free agency, he was going to make that happen. And after trading Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov at the trade deadline last season, they were in need a steady defender. Provorov will joining an offensively talented D corp, including Zach Werenski, Adam Boqvist, and Jake Bean, all of which have wicked shots and love playing up and scoring as much as they can. On the more defensive minded side, he'll join the likes of Erik Gudbranson and Andrew Peeke. However, young David Jiricek is projected to make the team this year as well. Simply trading for Provorov, and slotting in the rookie Jiricek, could easily improve this teams defense. 

Why did the Blue Jackets win this trade? In this trade, they were able to trade for an established vet on the blue line. The Jackets were also given some relief on his salary with LA retaining 30% of it, giving the CBJ some room to work with at free agency. Also a huge factor in this deal, is the fact that Columbus didn't have to part with any prospects or players. The 22nd pick they gave up, was never going to be a pick used by Columbus at the upcoming draft. Jarmo has said many times that this pick was in play for a vet on defense, and many of the experts also confirmed this. They did have to give up a second rounder in either '24 or '25, but if Provorov comes in and has a couple good years, the pick they gave up won't be that big a deal. 

Why might the CBJ have lost this trade? If Provorov comes in and doesn't help this team. Personally I'm not looking for him to come in and score 15-20 goals, I would like to see him be that stay at home defenseman that this team needs. With having Werenski, Boqvist and Bean who can play up and score, someone needs to stay home. Provorov, Gudbranson and Peeke should be those guys. What can't happen next season is simple, he can't be scratched and can't be the worst defenseman on the roster. He has two years left on his deal, and having two good years is a must. Ideally, he needs to make Jarmo's job hard. And force him to want to re-sign him.  

So what's next for the Jackets? Many have speculated at what the team needs to do. Their first task was to go out and get a veteran Dman, they just did that. Some have said they need to get a veteran back up goalie. That doesn't necessarily work though based on the fact that Goal tender Daniil Tarasov requires waivers to be sent down to the Cleveland Monsters, the Jackets AHL farm team. And chances are, he would be scooped up fairly quick. And the Jackets really like Tarasov, and don't want to risk losing him, as many have said he is the future in net for the CBJ. If he can get his injuries under control, he will be a stellar net minder. 

That leaves us to wonder if they'll do anything on offense. They have the likes of Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine, Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson and Boone Jenner. Not to mention they're picking third in the entry draft, a pick widely considered to be a #1 in most drafts. They have plenty of young forwards who would love to play more minutes, but those minutes will need to be earned. Remember the coach that has been speculated to be hired, Mike Babcock? He's going to push the kids hard and make them earn ice time. Plenty of players like Columbus' own Jack Roslovic, Emil Bemstrom and Liam Foudy are constantly being brought up by fans as players who should be traded, most likely for picks only. 

What are the Columbus Blue Jackets saying about the trade? GM Jarmo Kekäläinen said "Improving our blue line has been a priority for us and acquiring Ivan gives us an established left-shot defenseman who is still a young player with his best seasons in front of him". He went on to say "He immediately improves our group on defense as he is durable, has great skill, skates well, is an excellent passer with an accurate shot and can effectively play at both ends of the ice."