Newly-acquired defenseman Ivan Provorov spoke to the Columbus media Wednesday for the first time since the Blue Jackets traded for him on June 6. Here are some takeaways from what he said.
#9 checking in from Columbus! pic.twitter.com/xuYVSe4gJz
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 21, 2023
Provorov said he's excited to join the Blue Jackets because of the type of players on the roster.
"There's a lot of great players," Provorov said. "And a lot of great talent. A lot of players that can make plays and play with the puck. And I think that's part of my game."
The 26-year-old defenseman added that he's excited about a new opportunity where he can improve as a player while helping the team win games.
The players Provorov is joining on the Blue Jackets aren't complete strangers, though. Aside from facing them four times a year as a division opponent for six years (they were in separate divisions in 2020-21), he knows Zach Werenski from the 2015 NHL Combine that led to the draft where he was selected one pick after Provorov.
"We kind of got to talk a little bit during the combine in 2015," Provorov said. "But, he seemed like a humble and great guy, and I'm excited to actually play with him on the same team."
He added that he's gone out to dinner in Columbus with Kirill Marchenko and Yegor Chinakhov, Johnny Gaudreau and Boone Jenner have reached out to him since being traded, and that former Jacket Vladislav Gavrikov told Provorov he's happy to help him.
"Overall, I think everyone's been very welcoming," Provorov said. "And that's very exciting."
In terms of his play, Provorov said a lot of things went wrong after the 2020 COVID-19 pause which the Flyers entered riding a nine-game winning streak when Provorov was playing arguably the best hockey of his career. He likened the 2021-22 Flyers to the 2022-23 Blue Jackets because of the massive amount of injuries both teams suffered, derailing their respective seasons.
He also spoke about what kind of player he is.
"My game is a two-way game," Provorov said. I think I can tribute evenly offensively and defensively but, as a defenseman, [you] take care of our end first and then help out offensively."
He reiterated his eagerness to play with goal-scorers and puck-moving players on the Jackets and emphasized the fact that it's hard to create offense when you're always playing defense and added what he can do to help the Jackets on the ice.
"I think, defensively, breaking the puck out," Provorov said. "On the PK, and the power play needed a little bit of help. And, I'm here to help."
Provorov said his experience playing for John Tortorella in Philadelphia last season might help him in the future as it's been reported that Mike Babcock will be the Blue Jackets' next head coach.
"[They] have a lot of experience and have very strong characters," Provorov said. "I think a lot of times, that's what it takes to be a great coach," Provorov said. "And I think if you take things the right way, it should only help you."
Provorov will wear #9 for the Blue Jackets and will look to help them reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
