Ivan Provorov: Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft Profile
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The 2014-15 season was unfortunately cut short for the Colorado Avalanche. That means that here at Mile High Sticking, we have a long off-season ahead of us. While the off-season is filled with all different kinds of articles, regarding the playoffs (that we are unfortunately not a part of), Avalanche season reviews, and many other things, it also gives us time to focus on the Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft.
After profiling Brandon Wheat Kings defenseman Ryan Pilon two days ago, it is time to look at his higher ranked partner — Ivan Provorov.
Name: Ivan Provorov
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Height, weight: 6’0”, 200 lbs
Team/League: Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
Stats (from eliteprospects.com):
GP |
|---|
G
A
P
PIM
+/-
60
15
46
61
42
36
Pro comparison: Drew Doughty
Risk, Reward: 1/5, 4.5/5
NHL-potential: No. 1 defenseman
Draft Range: Top-10
Scouting report
Ivan Provorov is considered the better one of the Wheat Kings’ top-prospects that happen to build the team’s top-D-pair. Without a doubt, the six-foot Russian is one of the better defensemen in the 2015 NHL draft as well. TSN’s Craig Button even goes as far as to say that he sees “Ivan (Provorov) as the best and most complete defenseman in the draft.” In his latest ranking, Button has Provorov at No. 5 as the best defenseman, while Noah Hanifin is only ranked 12th — behind Zach Werenski and Thomas Chabot, who we have also profiled.
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Button is known for having some “bold rankings” every once in a while, but he is surely right in the assumption that Provorov is at least very, very close to Hanifin, who is widely regarded the best D-man in the draft.
Provorov is an offense-first kind of player. He knows how to create chances with very good passes and an accurate shot. Whether he is on the powerplay, penalty-kill or even strength, Provorov consistently creates chances. EliteProspects scout Curtis Joe says on Provorov that he is “an offensively gifted defenseman who can direct the game’s pace when the puck is on his stick.”
It is hard to point out a specific strength in Provorov’s toolkit. He is very well-rounded and has no glaring weaknesses or a particular strength. The one thing that stands out, however, is his hockey-IQ and decision making. He sees the game extremely well and is often a step ahead of teammates and opponents. Furthermore, he make little mistakes for a player his age.
Puck Prose
All that does not only count for his offensive abilities, but also for what he does on defense. He is strong positionally, has good gap-control and knows how to use his stick to shut down passing lanes and force turnovers. Provorov battles hard along the boards and tries to use his body whenever he can.
However, before he is NHL-ready, Provorov should add some muscle mass to his body and gain strength. It is fairly easy to get around in junior hockey without being overly physical, but that will change on the next level. Furthermore, Provorov needs to pinch a little bit less, or at least improve his judgement, as he creates an odd-man rush for his opponents every once in a while.
Overall, Ivan Provorov is a very complete defenseman that has the potential to turn into one of the best at his position. Whether he will become the best defenseman of the 2015 draft class remains to be seen, but he surely has the potential to.
Fit with the Avalanche
When profiling the top-defensemen of the 2015 draft, we always get back to one important note. Coach Patrick Roy has stated that firstly he does not like picking defensemen too high and secondly that he likes players that are big. Well, Provorov would be a defenseman drafted high and he is not overly tall.
Nevertheless, you always have to evaluate whether your height and position preferences or talent are more important for you when making a selection. If Provorov drops down to No. 10 — and I have at least seen that happen in mock drafts — the Avalanche should certainly think about it.
Some say Provorov will be NHL-ready next season, others say he will need another year in junior. Either way, he should be able to make an impact fairly soon. I do not expect the Avalanche to be Cup contenders in the next year or two, so having a top-defenseman in three years could turn out to be extremely valuable.
Do you think the Avs should select Ivan Provorov if he is still around at 10th overall?
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