Waddell Confident In Blue Jackets' Chances To Re-Sign Provorov

Don Waddell, GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets, was a guest on Jeff Marek's The Sheets Podcast. When asked if the team's success has impacted the front office's plan for the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Waddell answered with a lengthy no.

Related: Blue Jackets' GM Waddell Holding Firm: No Plans to Move Pending UFA's (Yet)

However, in his answer, he mentioned an interesting tidbit about Ivan Provorov:

"But, you know, a guy like Ivan Provorov, who I get a lot of calls about, he’s one of our best defenders, if not our best defender. And there’s an opportunity, potentially to sign him. And if we can sign him, that would be great. And if not, then come March, we’ll have to make a decision about what we do."

The full interview with Waddell can be found here.

It had been reported earlier this season by TSN's insider Pierre LeBrun that the Blue Jackets were hoping that they could re-sign him. There was speculation about Provorov's younger brother, Vladimir, who recently committed to Ohio State, and how that could impact his decision to re-sign with the club.

It now seems that Waddell has some belief that he can get a Provorov extension done. He has been one of the best defensemen on the team and has stepped up alongside Zach Werenski as a leader this season.

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If they can get him signed, they have cap space to offer him a raise in AAV and potentially get him to commit to eight years. He is currently earning $6.7 million; the Blue Jackets may be able to offer him $7.5 million over eight seasons.

If not, then as Waddell mentioned, they will decide what to do. However, don't be surprised if the team holds on to Provorov and works on an extension after the season, before the market opens on July 1.

What's Next - The Philadelphia Flyers visit Nationwide tonight.

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