by Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets was on every expert’s current list of trade candidates. The 27-year-old defenseman is in the final season of a six-year, $40.5 million contract and could move to UFA next July.
Provorov compiled Adam Proteau’s current list of the four defensemen most likely to be dealt by the NHL trade deadline on March 7. However, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that this is not a certainty, as agent Mark Gandler said his client is open to signing a contract extension with the Blue Jackets.
Gandler stated that Provorov and his family love Columbus and spend a lot of time there. He also pointed out that the defender’s 16-year-old brother was determined to attend Ohio State University.
LeBrun said extension talks between Provorov and Jackets management have not yet begun and that his brother’s college plans are separate from the blueliner’s plans. Still, it could play a role in his decision as to where his next contract takes him.
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Speaking of defensemen, NHL.com’s Dan Rosen believes Ryan Lindgren could be playing his final season with the New York Rangers.
The 26-year-old Lindgren is eligible to play for UFA starting this season. He has a one-year contract worth $4.5 million.
Rosen acknowledged Lindgren’s role as a safety net for partner Adam Fox in the Rangers’ top defensive pairing. However, he noted that the blueliner’s physical style has taken a toll on him and his lack of speed is also a concern.
Rangers GM Chris Drury already traded away one defenseman when he sent Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on December 6th. He could sell Lindgren to the highest bidder if the Blueshirts are eliminated from the playoffs by the trade deadline.
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As for the Montreal Canadiens, TSN’s Darren Dreger believes trading defenseman Justin Barron to the Nashville Predators for veteran blueliner Alexandre Carrier could lead to another David Savard or Mike Matheson move.
Both defensemen have been featured in recent Canadiens trade rumors. Savard, 34, is set to become a UFA in July, while Matheson, 30, has one year left on his contract and has an AAV of $4.875 million.
Dreger suggests a veteran like Carrier would complement Canadiens GM Kent Hughes in the lineup if he decides to move Savard or Matheson.
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