The Philadelphia Flyers are going to have some tough decisions to make during the 2023 offseason, and none may be bigger than the fate of 26-year-old defenseman Ivan Provorov. While parting ways with their top lefty is a risky move, he’s also one of their best trade chips and could provide a return the could spark the next era of Flyers hockey. If his name does indeed hit the trade block over the next few months, which teams are most likely to line up for the services of the Russian defenseman?
Number 5: Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers were one of the teams reportedly in on Jakob Chychrun (though eventually landing Mattias Ekholm), and seemingly every other trade rumor these days as they search for a team that can carry them to a Stanley Cup. Provorov would give them a younger defenseman with a little bit of term at a reasonable cap hit, The Oilers still have all of their first round picks, as well as prospect Dylan Holloway, Philip Broberg and Xavier Bourgault to negotiate with. For Provorov, it may not be the best place to blossom, as they’re a full-offense, no defense kind of team composed of some rather lackluster players, situations that he’s struggled in during his days in Philly. He’d be a good player on that team and would definitely help them, but it may not be the right fit overall.
Number 4: Toronto Maple Leafs
Speaking of desperation, the Maple Leafs underwent major front office changes despite winning their first playoff series since 2004. It leads to speculation as to what level of overhaul will happen to their roster, and looking for improvements to their defense could be high on the priority list. Making the cap space work between the two teams is going to be the most difficult part of this deal, but an offseason move when there’s a bit more overall breathing room for both squads could actually work out well for the Flyers.
Number 3: Ottawa Senators
Ottawa seems rather serious about icing a competitive roster, and their defense could use a boost to accomplish that. They were the big winners of the Jakob Chychrun sweepstakes at the deadline, and already have lefty Thomas Chabot, so adding Ivan Provorov may feel like overkill, but it could also be a very smart play by the Sens. Provorov has always been the top guy without a proper partner in Philly. In Ottawa, he wouldn’t have to be the standalone number one. Chychrun has experience playing on the right side, Chabot would be number one LHD and Provorov would be the second pair lefty. It may seem like overkill, but that’s a hell of a defensive trio if they’re all at their best.
Number 2: Detroit Red Wings
Detroit could be an interesting dark horse in the Provorov sweepstakes. They’re a team starting to see the light at the end of their rebuilding tunnel and already have a top righty in Mo Seider. Adding a 26-year-old with the experience of Provorov could go a long way for the Wings to shore up their team in the short term; and either a good player for the long term as well, or a solid trade piece when his contract expires in two years to acquire even more assets or if some of their internal options at LHD hit. The one major con? Does anybody trust rookie GM Danny Briere to go nose to nose with Steve Yzerman in trade negotiations, his first major move in his new role?
Number 1: LA Kings
The Kings have always felt like the best destination for Provorov to eventually land in. LA is a young team on the rise looking for a top left-handed defenseman to play alongside veteran Drew Doughty as well as up-and-comer Jordan Spence. They also happen to be the team with one of the more plentiful prospect pools for the Flyers to feast on. Brandt Clarke, a 19-year-old right-handed defenseman would be high on the wish list for the Flyers (though admittedly unlikely), and potentially center Quinton Byfield, the second overall pick in 2020, who has yet to lock down a full-time NHL spot. If the Kings are serious about opening up their new Cup window, parting ways with a big asset or two would pay off for them, and give the Flyers proper value for trading their top defenseman.
Honorable mentions
St.Louis Blues
Despite a team that is seemingly on the downward trend after selling some key vets at the trade deadline, the Blues have been linked to Provorov in some early offseason rumors. In a sense, it does seem like a potential destination. He’d be younger than everyone currently under contract on their blue line. The team has a pair of veteran righties in Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, plus Torey Krug on the left side. It’d leave Provorov to be deployed in a very defense-heavy role, and for the Flyers, the Blues have three first round picks in the 2023 draft. There could be a much larger deal there if the Flyers want to eat some of St. Louis’ money as well. It could be a very interesting scenario if the two sides want to craft a blockbuster.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avs will be looking to get back on track in 2023-24 after an injury-riddled 2022-23 season saw them fail to defend their Cup title. Their backend is a bit shallow, but is highlighted by the top pair of Devon Toews and Cale Makar. Adding Provorov to back them up, more than likely partnering with talented, though oft-injured, youngster Bowen Byram would be a hell of a top four. What could they offer in return? Well they have all of their first round picks (though not much draft capital beyond that) and center prospect Jean-Luc Foudy that may interest the Flyers. Philly might have to take back LHD Samuel Girard to make the money work, which could be an under-the-radar good pickup for the Flyers as well.
By: Dan Esche (@DanTheFlyeraFan)
photo credit: nhl.com
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