New York Rangers emerge as top candidates to acquire Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman
Photo credit: Philly Hockey Now
If the Rangers are to improve their 13-9-1 record, they'll have to look in their own division to find a solution.
One of them could be a veteran defenseman,
Ivan Provorov who is a recent arrival in
the Blue Jackets system. With a new GM in town, the Blue Jackets have had no issue moving on from players they don't identify as long-term pieces for the organization, and Provorov could be the next to go after
David Jiricek was just traded.
On Nov. 21, TSN's Pierre LeBrun suggested Provorov would be the top defenseman available by the March 7 NHL trade deadline.
The Athletic's Chris Johnston has Provorov sitting atop his NHL Trade Board while Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli has him at No. 4 on his Nov. 20 list of Trade Targets.
The Jackets only have to account for $4.725 Million, as the Flyers have retained $2.5 Million after the trade.
The top-four puck-moving defenseman could be on the move during the trade deadline this season.
Could the Rangers be one of the teams in on acquiring Provorov?
New York Rangers and GM Chris Drury
The New York Rangers have emerged as trade candidates, as they have placed defenseman
Jacob Trouba on the trade block.
He's not taken the Rangers Captain off the list which consists of him, and veteran forward
Chris Kreider.
According to Lyle Richardson acquiring Provorov could prove to a UFA like
Igor Shesterkin that they're serious about investing in talent to keep the team competitive.
"could make it more enticing for (pending UFA Igor Shesterkin) to remain in the Big Apple".
Provorov has played 2 years with the Blue Jackets, which is 105 games, with 40 points( 7 G, 33 A) scored with a -8, 187 blocks, and 72 hits during his short time there.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 11-9-3 and 6th in the Metropolitan Division. The team remains two points out of a Wild-Card spot in the playoffs.
Provorov could significantly impact the Rangers blueline in a positive way, as they've missed secondary scoring, can GM Chris Drury afford to give up a 1st round pick for him? He'll be sought after once March rolls around.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
POLL |
DECEMBRE 2 | 1464 ANSWERS New York Rangers emerge as top candidates to acquire Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman Do you think GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers should trade for the Columbus Blue Jackets' Ivan Provorov? |
Yes | 908 | 62 % |
No | 556 | 38 % |
List of polls |
|
42 minutes ago | By Joshua Deeds Must see: Former New York Rangers' Hilariously Scores Own-Goal For His First Of The Season |
|
3 hours ago | By Hunter Bowman Roster Transaction: New York Rangers assign goaltender to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL |
|
5 hours ago | By Ryan Hall New York Rangers organization issues shocking development regarding Mika Zibanejad |
|
6 hours ago | By Ryan Hall J.T. Miller's wife shuts down tampering allegations with latest social media post on Instagram |
|
15 hours ago | By Hunter Bowman Major Development: NHL Analyst reveals New York Rangers forward is likely to be traded at the trade deadline |
|
17 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Newly Acquired Defenseman Erik Brannstrom Could Find Himself As a Key Piece For The New York Rangers |
|
18 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Elliotte Friedman reveals the New York Rangers are set to acquire former 4th overall pick for free |
|
20 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin New York Rangers Veteran Forward Losses It And Calls Out The Rangers Following Upsetting Loss |