Ivan Provorov Signs Huge Deal to Stay in Columbus with Blue Jackets

It came down to the wire, the night before 2025 Free Agency opened, but rumors began circulating that Ivan Provorov had agreed to a long-term deal with his team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. This afternoon, on July 1st, this rumor was confirmed! 

Last season, Ivan Provorov played every regular season game for the Blue Jackets. In those 82 games, he achieved 7 goals and 26 assists for 33 points. He also finished with a +11 and 31 penalty minutes. I've seen many faults in the deal that Ivan Provorov signed. Many believe it is too high in contrast with his point total this past season. I don't agree with this. Why? This man can play defense, but also offense. Most importantly, he can play both through injury and proved as much this season. I feel many have forgotten that he played a good part of the season with a nasty thumb injury in early December 2024 when we played against the Canucks. An injury like that can certainly affect scoring, but the fact he played through it and continued to push the team forward is enough to warrant this payday for him. I'd rather play with a man with such grit and team loyalty than against him, no question. 

Ivan Provorov's new contract will span 7 years and will pay him 8.5 Million each season. Any other team out there, although they would deny it to the media, would pay this much for a solid two-way defenseman who can play through injuries and is team-oriented. Is it high? Yes. That's what it takes to keep good players. I for one am sick of us being a discount team and watching good players leave because we won't pay them their worth. I'm thrilled to see our General Manager, Don Waddell, break that cycle. If we want a cup, we have to have the best players and pay them fairly. This is definitely, finally. a skate in the right direction. 

With Dante Fabbro and Ivan Provorov signed back for seasons to come, I have to be honest, this is the best I've felt about our defensive core since I started covering the team in May 2020. These pieces worked well last season, and with Don Waddell adding a few extra pieces to them that are talented in their own right, I think the men defending our goalie will be the strongest we've seen in years. Congratulations, Provorov, I'm thrilled to see you stay in Columbus! 

Go CBJ!  

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