Photo Credit: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
This is not the kind of dainty nibbling around the edges that we have become accustomed to my friends. The “new era of orange” has come in with a bang! Parting ways with Ivan Provorov is a very bold first move that shows an absolute commitment to the Flyers rebuild. Everyone knows this team needs to go through some major changes. Many have already taken place at the very top of the organization. Actions speak much louder than words and trading Provorov right out of the gate makes the process a “too late to turn back now” type of situation.
Please don’t misunderstand, I am not saying they should not have done it. I’m not saying they didn’t get plenty back in return. I’m saying trading a player like Provorov at a time like this sends a very clear message that this organization has firmly committed itself to the process. Flyers GM Danny Briere has said “we’re open for business” and this move makes that abundantly clear. It’s a big deal and it’s only the beginning.
Ivan Provorov
Provorov was drafted by the Flyers in the 1st round of the 2015 draft, 7th overall. He made the team out of camp for the 2016-17 season. Aside from Covid he has not missed any games due to injury during his 532 game NHL career. He has logged just under 30 minutes per game on average for the duration of his tenure as a Flyer. He has tremendous skating ability, he is an absolute workhorse, and he is only 26 years old. I’m sure Columbus fans are excited about their newest acquisition, and they should be.
If the end of last season is any indication it would not be a surprise to see the Flyers part ways with defenseman Tony DeAngelo. There seemed to be a disconnect between him and head coach John Tortorella that left Tony sitting as a healthy scratch for the final few games of the season. Add to that the retirement of Justin Braun and moving Provorov right now carries even more weight. This trade is not a band aid, or a quick fix, it is the first step of a humongous undertaking.
What to expect
All bets are off. This should be a very busy off-season for the Flyers new front office. Moves are being made with the future in mind but they will still need to put a team on the ice this coming Fall. Briere says they are willing to listen to offers on everyone and nothing’s off the table. Rumors are already swirling around Carter Hart and the list of players possibly being shopped will only get longer. It’s already a roller coaster ride and we haven’t even hit the draft yet. This is shaping up to be a wild summer.
Extra Credit: No one knew this would be Ivan Provorov’s final shift as a Flyer, but this is definitely what you would call leaving on a high note.
