NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On The Blue Jackets, Rangers And Canadiens

Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets has appeared on every pundits’ recent list of trade candidates. The 27-year-old defenseman is in the final season of a six-year, $40.5-million contract and is eligible to become a UFA next July.

Provorov made Adam Proteau’s recent list of four defensemen most likely to be dealt by the March 7 NHL trade deadline. However, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that’s not a certainty, as agent Mark Gandler said his client would be open to signing an extension with the Blue Jackets.

Gandler indicated that Provorov and his family love Columbus and spend a lot of time there. He also noted the defenseman’s 16-year-old brother is committed to attending Ohio State University.

LeBrun said extension talks between Provorov and Jackets management haven’t started yet, and his brother’s college plans are separate from the blueliner’s plans. Nevertheless, it could factor into his decision over where his next contract takes him.

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Speaking of defensemen, NHL.com’s Dan Rosen believes Ryan Lindgren could be playing his final season with the New York Rangers.

Lindgren, 26, is UFA-eligible following this season. He’s on a one-year contract worth $4.5 million.

Rosen acknowledged Lindgren’s role as a safety net for partner Adam Fox on the Rangers’ top defenseman pairing. However, he pointed out that the blueliner’s physical style has left him banged up, while his lack of speed is also a concern.

Rangers GM Chris Drury already traded away a defenseman when he shipped out Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6. He could peddle Lindgren to the highest bidder if the Blueshirts are out of playoff contention by the trade deadline.

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Turning to the Montreal Canadiens, TSN’s Darren Dreger believes their trade of defenseman Justin Barron to the Nashville Predators for veteran blueliner Alexandre Carrier could lead to another move involving David Savard or Mike Matheson.

Both defensemen have featured in recent Canadiens trade rumors. The 34-year-old Savard is slated to become a UFA in July, while the 30-year-old Matheson has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $4.875 million.

Dreger suggests having a veteran like Carrier in the lineup would provide backfill for Canadiens GM Kent Hughes if he decides to move Savard or Matheson.

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