The Columbus Blue Jackets have recently found their stride, winning three consecutive games and closing in on a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
However, they’ve been a frequent topic of trade discussions, particularly concerning two of their defensemen.
One of the main players in these rumors is Ivan Provorov, who is set to become a free agent this July. Chris Johnston from The Athletic ranks the 27-year-old defenseman as the top trade target in the NHL, suggesting the rebuilding Blue Jackets might look to trade him for a first-round pick ahead of the March 7 deadline.
Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff places Provorov fourth on his list of trade targets, noting that the Blue Jackets currently cover 4.75 million of his 6.75 million average annual value, while the Los Angeles Kings are absorbing $ 2.025 million. Seravalli mentioned that the Blue Jackets could consider retaining part of their share to facilitate a deal.
On November 21, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun identified Provorov as the NHL’s premier rental defenseman as the trade deadline approaches. He reported that teams have been inquiring about the veteran defenseman, but the Blue Jackets are hesitant to trade him just yet, wanting to give their team a chance to compete. Nonetheless, LeBrun anticipates that a trade involving Provorov is likely in the near future.
David Jiricek is another defenseman from the Blue Jackets who is attracting interest in trade discussions. The 20-year-old has played only a few games with Columbus before being reassigned to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland last week.
Both Chris Johnston and Frank Seravalli have included Jiricek on their trade lists. As the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he has faced challenges while transitioning between Columbus and Cleveland over the past two seasons, struggling to adapt to different coaching staff and management.
According to Jim Biringer from RG.Org, a source close to the Blue Jackets indicated that Jiricek could be traded soon. The Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators have been mentioned as potential landing spots, with the Oilers particularly in need of a right-shot defenseman to fill the gap left by Philip Broberg’s departure.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes that teams are making serious offers for the 6-foot-3 Jiricek, but he doesn’t think the Oilers are a good fit since they might not have the assets needed to acquire him. Friedman speculates that the Blue Jackets would seek a player of equal value in return.
According to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is not rushing to trade Jiricek and that there were no solid trade offers as of mid-last week. He also noted that the young defenseman has not requested a trade and has shown no reluctance to play for Columbus.
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