Ivan Provorov Signs Extension with the Blue Jackets
Veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov has secured his future in the NHL by signing a seven-year contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The agreement, which was finalized on Monday, is worth $8.5 million annually, according to sources. This decision by Provorov prevents the 28-year-old player from becoming a free agent, a situation that would have made him one of the most sought-after defensemen on the market. The news comes shortly after Aaron Ekblad also agreed to an eight-year extension to remain with the Florida Panthers. With Provorov and Ekblad secured, players like Vladislav Gavrikov, Ryan Lindgren, and Dmitry Orlov could be the most prominent free agents available if they don’t reach agreements with their current teams. The retention of Provorov is an important step for the Blue Jackets, who are looking to leave the rebuilding phase behind and aim for the playoffs in the 2025-26 season. After four seasons without qualifying for the playoffs, the 2024-25 campaign was shaping up to be another challenge. However, a six-game winning streak in January propelled the team to a 22-17-6 record, generating optimism about a possible improvement.Although they closed the season with another six-game winning streak, the Blue Jackets failed to secure a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, finishing just two points behind the Montreal Canadiens.
Provorov finished the season with seven goals and 33 points in 82 games, with an average ice time of 23:21, only surpassed by Zach Werenski. In addition to Provorov’s renewal, the Blue Jackets reinforced their squad by adding Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. According to PuckPedia, the Blue Jackets have $20.957 million in cap space before the start of free agency.
