This afternoon, David Pagnotta broke the terms of a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Columbus Blue Jackets:
Some more details:
Provorov to CBJ
Walker, Petersen to Philly
Kings will retain 30% of Provorov deal— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 6, 2023
CBJ sends LA’s 1st round pick to Philly in this deal, which they previously acquired mid-season.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 6, 2023
In return for the 22nd overall pick which Columbus acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in return for Vladislav Gavrikov and Joonas Korpisalo, the Jackets receive defenseman Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers, with the Kings retaining 30% of his contract. The Flyers will receive goalie Cal Petersen from the Kings, and this move will give the Kings room to sign Gavrikov and possibly Korpisalo to new deals.
Provorov has a $6,750,000 AAV for the remaining two seasons, so the cap hit will be $4,725,000 for the Jackets. Provorov had 6 goals and 21 assists in 82 games for the Flyers last season, and 65/152/217 overall in 532 games over 7 seasons. He was selected directly before Zach Werenski in the 2015 draft.
Ivan Provorov, traded to CBJ, is a minute-munching left-handed defenceman who can move the puck a bit. He also does a lot of stuff in the defensive zone, although the actual results of that stuff are pretty mixed. #CBJ #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/Un9lmovpaS
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 6, 2023
What also must be noted is the controversy Provorov generated last season when he refused to participate in warmups wearing a special jersey for the Flyers’ pride night. Here is the perspective of a queer member of Broad Street Hockey writing about that experience. Here were Provorov’s own words in response to the incident.
Provorov could have a positive on-ice benefit for a team which desperately needs help on defense, especially on the left side. But he will need to play much better than he has for several years. The team will also need to deal with the fallout from the fanbase, with this news (during Pride Month!) following the equally controversial hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach.