Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 3:55pm

CBJ PICKS UP PROVOROV IN 3-WAY DEAL

In a three-way trade, the Columbus Blue Jackets acquired defenseman Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers; Philadelphia acquired defensemen Sean Walker and Helge Grans, goaltender Cal Petersen and a second-round draft pick in 2024 from the Los Angeles Kings, and a first-round draft pick in 2023 (No. 22 overall) and a conditional second-round draft pick in 2024 from the Blue Jackets; and Los Angeles acquired defenseman Kevin Connauton and forward Hayden Hodgson from the Flyers.

What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
In Provorov, the Blue Jackets land a quality, minute-munching defenseman who is capable of playing a shutdown role. He should be a big help to Columbus, who are expected to name veteran Mike Babcock as their next head coach in the coming weeks. Provorov has not put up great offensive numbers in recent years, but Columbus has other blueliners capable of producing good totals. Provorov will be used in all situations with the Blue Jackets.

What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers did very well in this trade from an assets standpoint. Getting another first-round pick in this year's draft is probably the key to this trade, but Grans is also a solid blueline prospect to add to their stables. Walker is a serviceable and versatile defenseman who adds depth, while Petersen was considered a quality young netminder not too long ago. He struggled in 2022-23 but has bounce-back potential in Philadelphia.

What does it give the
Ironically, Provorov will essentially replace fellow Russian Vladislav Gavrikov, who was traded to the Kings at the '23 deadline for the first-round pick that is going to Philadelphia in this trade. The Kings freed up some cap space with this trade (even though they retained 30 percent of Provorov's salary to accomodate Columbus and Philadelphia) in the hope of re-signing Gavrikov. Connauton and Hodgson were added to this trade, but both are cheap AHL players.

Fantasy impact
Provorov's fantasy value should remain the same in Columbus, although he may actually lose some power-play time with his new team. He is a fringy fantasy option heading into 2023-24. Walker should continue to be a depth defenseman moving to Philly, so he is off the fantasy landscape for the time being. Grans is also not a recommendable option for '23-24. As for Petersen, he is a potential rebound candidate but he will likely play behind a rebuilding team in Philly. Pass. Connauton and Hodgson will probably continue to toil in the AHL with the move from Philly to LA.