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Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets has appeared on each pundits’ latest checklist of commerce candidates. The 27-year-old defenseman is within the ultimate season of a six-year, $40.5-million contract and is eligible to develop into a UFA subsequent July.
Provorov made Adam Proteau’s recent list of 4 defensemen most certainly to be dealt by the March 7 NHL commerce deadline. Nonetheless, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that is not a certainty, as agent Mark Gandler stated his shopper can be open to signing an extension with the Blue Jackets.
Gandler indicated that Provorov and his household love Columbus and spend lots of time there. He additionally famous the defenseman’s 16-year-old brother is dedicated to attending Ohio State College.
LeBrun stated extension talks between Provorov and Jackets administration have not began but, and his brother’s faculty plans are separate from the blueliner’s plans. Nonetheless, it may issue into his choice over the place his subsequent contract takes him.
Talking of defensemen, NHL.com’s Dan Rosen believes Ryan Lindgren could possibly be taking part in his ultimate season with the New York Rangers.
Lindgren, 26, is UFA-eligible following this season. He is on a one-year contract value $4.5 million.
Rosen acknowledged Lindgren’s function as a security internet for accomplice Adam Fox on the Rangers’ prime defenseman pairing. Nonetheless, he identified that the blueliner’s bodily model has left him banged up, whereas his lack of velocity can be a priority.
Rangers GM Chris Drury already traded away a defenseman when he shipped out Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Geese on Dec. 6. He may peddle Lindgren to the best bidder if the Blueshirts are out of playoff rivalry by the commerce deadline.
Related: New York’s State: Troubling Times For All Three NHL Teams
Turning to the Montreal Canadiens, TSN’s Darren Dreger believes their commerce of defenseman Justin Barron to the Nashville Predators for veteran blueliner Alexandre Provider may result in one other transfer involving David Savard or Mike Matheson.
Each defensemen have featured in latest Canadiens commerce rumors. The 34-year-old Savard is slated to develop into a UFA in July, whereas the 30-year-old Matheson has a yr left on his contract with an AAV of $4.875 million.
Dreger suggests having a veteran like Provider within the lineup would offer backfill for Canadiens GM Kent Hughes if he decides to maneuver Savard or Matheson.
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