Will Nikita Kucherov be the next NHL player to hit 1,000 career points? In a recent article for The Athletic [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6015276/2024/12/26/nhl-trade-board-matchmaker-provorov-gibson/?source=emp_shared_article], NHL insiders Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun made predictions about where some of the NHL's top trade candidates could end up being traded by the deadline. Regarding Columbus Blue Jackets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/] defenseman Ivan Provorov, Johnston predicted that the left-shot defenseman would be traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/]. It is fair to wonder if the Lightning could look to acquire an impactful defender like Provorov before the deadline passes. As Johnston noted, key Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser is out long-term [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightnings-jj-moser-expected-to-miss-8-10-weeks-with-lower-body-injury], so getting another impactful defenseman like Provorov would help the Bolts out tremendously. Ivan Provorov [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjcxODY3MTA5NDE4NTMx/usatsi_25029606.jpg] Ivan Provorov When looking at the Lightning's roster, Provorov could be an excellent fit for the top pairing with Victor Hedman if he is acquired while Moser is out, as he can play the right side. However, he also could form a strong second pairing with Ryan McDonagh. McDonagh's excellent defensive play would also allow Provorov to take more offensive chances. While Johnston predicted the Lightning would acquire Provorov, LeBrun sees the Colorado Avalanche as the right fit for the 2015 first-round pick. Provorov, 27, has appeared in 35 games this season, posting three goals, 13 points, 43 blocks, and a plus-2 rating. This is after he had five goals and 32 points in 82 games this past season.
