Provorov is a highly sought-after soon-to-be free agent in the NHL. According to a recent article in bleacherreport.com, at least five teams may be interested in Provorov's services. And, one of them is the Vegas Golden Knights.
Ivan Provorov could help the Golden Knights
Provorov has size and excellent puck-moving abilities. The Golden Knights have a strong blueline with Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, and Noah Hanifin. Adding Provorov would make them that much stronger.
Provorov's $6.75 million contract expires next summer. The Columbus Blue Jackets were only responsible for $4.725 million of his pact, with the Los Angeles Kings retaining the remainder in the complicated trade last June.
He is a valuable defenseman who has averaged almost 24 minutes of ice time per game in his nine-year NHL career. His statistics show that he would be a useful addition to any team seeking his presence. He has tallied 72 goals and 186 assists in 640 career games, as well as 1,225 blocks and 766 hits.
Salary Cap restrictions don't always stop the Vegas team
The Golden Knights' salary cap shows they only have $1.68 million available, but they can still work out a trade deal. Many doubters thought the same thing when the Vegas club acquired Tomas Hertl. They were able to have the San Jose Sharks retain 17 percent of Hertl's salary, a $8.1375 million contract.
The Golden Knights are on a mission to find suitable salaries for the players they seek to add to their roster. If the Blue Jackets want to terminate Provorov's current contract and beyond, the Vegas club can assist with that endeavor.
Columbus has a whopping $28.9 million in cap space, so we're not sure why they wouldn't want to sign and retain Provorov. As it stands now they are only three points out of a playoff spot with 25 points.
What would the return demand be for Columbus?
While the consensus may be that the Blue Jackets want a first-round pick at the very least to let go of their 6'3", 201 lb. defenseman, that may not be the case. Vegas lacks a first-round pick until 2027 since they dealt them away already. Could the Columbus club accept a 2027 first-rounder with other picks or prospects? You never know what general manager Kelly McCrimmon may have up his sleeve.
The fact that other teams are contending for Provorov only increases McCrimmon's enthusiasm. If he wants a specific player (like Hertl), he will find a way to make it happen. Every general manager should strive to improve his team.
With Provorov added, the Golden Knights' blueline would improve. He is durable and can quickly move the puck out of his end. The soon-to-be 28-year-old who hails from Yaroslavl, Russia, could be a possible replacement for two aging defensemen, Alex Pietrangelo (34) and Brayden McNabb (33). Both are on long-term contracts expiring in 2028 and 2029, respectively.
Vegas is doing well
The Golden Knights have the fourth-best record in the NHL, earning 39 points thus far. Some may say, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" Could you tell that to McCrimmon, who wants another Cup? He knows how to build a winning roster. He has proven it with the deals he has culminated.
Now, we must wait to see if he goes after Ivan Provorov. Remember to consider his intentions. If he seeks to add Provorov, he will find a way. If he thinks a deal to bring in the Russian blueliner will improve his chances, he will do everything he can to make it happen.
If McCrimmon isn't the best GM in the NHL, he certainly is very close to it.