Shockwaves would be an overstatement.
But the Columbus Blue Jackets acquisition of defenseman Ivan Provorov on Monday from the Philadelphia Flyers was certainly one that raised eyebrows across the league.
In a trade announced in the midst of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Blue Jackets strengthened their woefully weak blueline Monday by — to keep it simple — trading the 22nd overall pick in next month's draft and a future second round selection for Provorov.
The finer details of the trade are far more complicated, with the Los Angeles Kings and a total of six players (none from the Columbus organization) involved. Despite never playing with the Kings, they'll pay 30% of his salary through the end of next season, when Provorov becomes an unrestricted free agent.
But what are the Blue Jackets getting in Provorov? Here's the immediate reaction from the experts and pundits around the NHL:
Josh Gold-Smith, theScore
"The trade is a calculated risk that helps the Blue Jackets immediately, even if they’re a ways from contending. Columbus gets a second-pairing guy at a second-pairing cap hit for the acquisition cost of a second-pairing defenseman. As a team in desperate need of positivity on the ice, even if its aspect of the three-way deal is the lowest grade for us, it’s a solid gamble."
Jason Myrtetus, Flyers Broadcast Network
Turned into a massively busy day with the Flyers Trade of Ivan Provorov. You can criticize Provy for a lot of things but one thing you cannot criticize is will to win and play through significant injuries. He always answered the bell and truly cared about winning. Whats next for pic.twitter.com/XDPRAR9cG4
— Jason Myrtetus (@jasonmyrt) June 7, 2023
Mary Clarke, ForTheWin (USA Today Sports)
"Provorov’s career could very well turn around in Columbus, but the Blue Jackets paid a high price for a big gamble. At 26-years-old, Provorov is in the prime of his career, with two more seasons left on his contract at $6.75 million per year. While Provorov was primarily used on the Flyers’ top pair, the defenseman is better suited to a middle pairing role behind a true playmaking blueliner."
Nick Tricome, PhillyVoice
"Still just 26 years old, he was carrying a rather steep cap hit at $6.75 million for another two years, but still has the talent and potential to justify another team paying that price. And Columbus, who was in need of a blueliner, had the means to take that waiver – with help from L.A."
"You don't get first-round picks for players that don't have interest from other teams. You've got to play ball on both sides, and we had to give up a good player for that." Flyers GM Danny Brire on the decision to trade Ivan Provorov. https://t.co/f1YqR6gB1A
— PhillyVoice (@thephillyvoice) June 7, 2023
Adam Proteau, TheHockeyNews
"Even after the Provorov deal, Columbus needs more help on defense. There’s not an abundance of size on Columbus’ blueline, and though the Blue Jackets will get a boost from Provorov and the return to action of star D-man Zach Werenski (who played only 13 games this past season before suffering a season-ending injury), Columbus could use a rugged net-front presence to make life easier on No. 1 goalie Elvis Merzlikins."
