The Colorado Avalanche could be looking to add Columbus Blue Jackets blue liner Ivan Provorov, insider Pierre LeBrun believes.
In a recent piece published in The Athletic, LeBrun broke out his crystal ball, attempting to predict where some of the league’s top trade targets could end up. One such target is Provorov, who’s been rumored to be on the block this season.
Provorov is set to become a free agent this offseason. LeBrun underscored the fact that Provorov would like to stay in Columbus, according to his agent. However, Provorov and the Blue Jackets may not see eye-to-eye on a contract extension.
As a result, the Blue Jackets may be compelled to move Provorov for the best deal possible. In LeBrun’s estimation, the ideal destination could be the Colorado Avalanche.
Adding Provorov wouldn’t be the worst idea Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland could think of. Provorov could easily slide into the second pairing, giving the Avs a talented blue liner with a mean streak. Moreover, the Avalanche needs more depth behind Cale Makar and Devon Toews.
Provorov could fit in well with Samuel Girard, potentially dropping Josh Manson to the third pairing with Sam Malinski. This move could work out very well as injuries have been a huge issue for Colorado this season.
As such, adding another top-four blue liner would be a fantastic way to give coach Jared Bednar more options, particularly if injuries continue to become a factor.
Of course, it’s unclear whether the Blue Jackets will want to part with Provorov. Their preference may be to hold on to the talented 27-year-old. But if the Blue Jackets decide to trade Provorov, Colorado could be one of the frontrunners.
The cost for Colorado Avalanche to land Ivan Provorov
Here’s where things get tricky: What would it cost the Colorado Avalanche to land Ivan Provorov? In LeBrun’s estimation, it could take a first-round draft pick. Since the Avs don’t have one in 2025, their 2026 first-rounder could get the ball rolling.
While trading first-round draft picks is never a good idea, the fact is that Colorado’s pick would be late in the first round. That situation makes trading a first-rounder easier to stomach as most picks beyond 15th overall don’t always pan out.
For the Blue Jackets, it’s trading a solid blue liner for magic beans. The Jackets won’t get any assurance that the pick they get in return will ever work out. Still, it’s a gamble they’ll have to take instead of losing Provorov for nothing.
Lastly, the Avalanche will need to dump a contract to make the deal work. The Avs have about $2.8 million in available cap space. Provorov has a cap hit of $6.75 million. As such, the Avs will need to clear cap space to add Provorov.
Predicting who the Avalanche may want to send the other way remains to be seen. It Would have to be someone with a cap hit above $3 million to make the deal work. Fortunately, salary retention, including third-party involvement, could bring the cap hit down just enough to where the Avs wouldn’t have to give anyone up.
Ultimately, I can see the Avs wanting to add another defenseman. But Provorov may be too rich for the Avs’ blood right now. But don’t rule out the Avs looking for someone with a lower cap hit and a cheaper price tag.