Yahoo Sports Predicting Ivan Provorov's Next Contract With Columbus
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun has reported that Ivan Provorov and the Columbus Blue Jackets want to get an extension done.
Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has publicly stated that the organization hopes to keep Provorov long-term. But what could that deal look like?
Related: Pierre LeBrun Gives An Ivan Provorov Update
Provorov's Contract Prediction: $60M/8 years ($7.5M AAV)
The Blue Jackets should offer Provorov an eight-year contract to help bring down the AAV. Since they have the ability to offer the full eight years, they should take advantage of it and secure him long-term.
If they can, the cap hit could come in around $7.5 million per season, giving him a total of $60 million.
At just 28 years old, Provorov would be 36 when the contract ends. If possible, Waddell would be wise to structure the deal to reduce trade protection in the final two seasons.
This way, if the team needs cap space to contend, they could find a team willing to take on his contract.
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Regardless, locking up Provorov on an eight-year, $60 million contract would send a strong message to the organization and pending free agents that Columbus is serious about competing and willing to spend money.
Given how this season has played out and the team being in the hunt for a playoff spot, Waddell will likely do everything he can to get a deal done. It doesn’t seem like trading him is something they want to do, which gives Columbus an advantage in negotiating a long-term deal to keep him in Ohio for years to come.
It should be said that the fit between team and player has been nearly perfect. Provorov stepped into the lineup and made an impact right away. Aside from Zach Werenski, he is the second most important defenseman on their blue line.
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That’s why Waddell should push to lock him up for eight years at around $60 million.
What's Next: The Blue Jackets have a four-day break and will travel to Vegas next Thursday to play the Golden Knights.
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