Player Discussion: Ivan Provorov

[Cyclones Rock]

We all have high hopes for Mateychuk but let's pump the brakes a bit. Dude hasn't played a game yet. Yeah he looks great in the AHL. So did Jiricek. Putting him replacing Provorovs 23 minutes a night is way too much pressure for a rookie.

I would have no problem giving Provorov a 5 year deal. He never gets hurt. Z, Provorov, and Severson as the core. Bring up the kids and let them start low and slowly creep up the lineup.

Fabbro obviously in mix too.

I didn't watch him in the AHL but I think that Jiricek's -16 in 29 games suggests that his 5 v 5 play was nothing to write home about. Mateychuck's offensive and +/- numbers are superior to Jiricek's by significant margins:

David Jiricek Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Statistics of David Jiricek, a hockey player from Klatovy, Czech Rep. born Nov 28 2003 who was active from 2019 to 2025.

www.hockeydb.com

Denton Mateychuk Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Statistics of Denton Mateychuk, a hockey player from Winnipeg, MAN born Jul 12 2004 who was active from 2019 to 2025.

www.hockeydb.com

I know +/- isn't a be all/end all, but the stark contrast in this number between the two players suggest that their respective AHL performances were not equal in overall quality.

I'd say the odds of Mateychuk being a difference maker in the NHL are far superior to the departed one's. In fact, I think there's a very good chance that Jiricek will head overseas in a few seasons while Mateychuk has a decent chance of being a mainstay on the CBJ defense for the next decade.

 

[ColumbusTrill]

Provorov is a net zero on defense. He's not someone who will lock down other teams forwards, nor is he going to create you Werenski like offense. He's simply not going to be worth whatever he gets on the open market.

Mateychuk will probably not replace Provorov with ease right away but I bet we won't miss Ivan after a year. There's no rushing this rebuild. This team needs to draft quality defense first defensemen. The previous regimes f***ing that up cannot rush this process. You either trade for it or draft it. It's very unlikely you can get that free agent who will sign here for the right money.

Who are some recent examples of shutdown defenseman making a big impact early in their careers? Edvinsson/Seider come to mind but there aren't many. Those guys take time to marinate. Even if we draft the top defensive prospect in this years draft and he develops perfectly I can't see him being truly an impact player for us until at the very earliest 2027-2028. That feels like a long time to wait.

As a fan I want this team to make significant strides each year. I don't want to rely on hitting on prospects. Continuity with good veteran players is a big part of how successful teams stay successful.

I guess I don't mind throwing big money at free agents. It shows the org is committed to winning and it puts younger players in a better position to succeed.

 

[koteka]

I can't see him being truly an impact player for us until at the very earliest 2027-2028. That feels like a long time to wait.

I would build this team with a goal of being as good as we can be in 2027-28. The goal is not to be as good as we can be in 2025-26. I want to win Cups. I don’t want 5 years of 1st round playoff exits and then another rebuild.

 

[ColumbusTrill]

I would build this team with a goal of being as good as we can be in 2027-28. The goal is not to be as good as we can be in 2025-26. I want to win Cups. I don’t want 5 years of 1st round playoff exits and then another rebuild.

I guess I think being a cup contender in 27-28 means we had playoff experiences prior to that season. Seasons where we have grown as a team and made adjustments based off of prior failures. To have playoff experience prior to 27-28 means we have good veteran players on those teams.

If we make the playoffs 5 straight years I'd be pretty damn happy. We can make aggressive moves to put the team over the top like we did when we beat Tampa.

 

[SteelCityCannon]

Some of you keep saying he hasn’t played any games. He’s played enough NHL preseason games, against enough NHL player’s, to understand what type of player he is and how he matches up against NHL players. He looked completely different than Jiricek, and BETTER than Provorov. He was arguably one of our best (and most impactful) players in all the games he played in besides maybe 1.

Please elaborate on “too much pressure” means? I don’t really want him playing on the top pair with Werenski right now, but, he’s a better option than any other defenseman we have. I think some of you simply just haven’t seen him play recently enough.


This is ridiculous. Not even mentioning Mateychuk as being part of “the core” within 5 years….??

He isn’t just one of “the kids”. He’s arguably the most “ready” prospect the CBJ has had that hasn’t gotten extended looks in the NHL, in recent memory.

Mateychuk deserves the opportunity to play in the NHL and can easily match what Provorov brings to the ice, while taking up less cap space for at least the foreseeable future. It makes ZERO sense to look to re-sign Provorov for the simple fact that he and Mateychuk play the same exact way, and will be looked at to fill the same exact roles on the ice. Provorov isn’t a top pairing defenseman, and Mateychuk isn’t a bottom pairing defenseman.

Bro did you just skip like every other line of my post? First off, if your proof he can hang with NHLers is shit preseason hockey that should tell you something. I think he's ready, but come on.

Too much pressure is having him immediately take over Provorovs spot. That's 23 minutes a night, second powerplay, and penalty kill. As a 20 year old rookie defenseman yeah that's pressure.

What better option do we have than him next to Werenski? How about anybody else? You now want him to play with the guy leading the league in TOI on his off hand? Again as a 20 year old rookie? Come on. Some of us have seen him play on a loaded ahl team against AHL competition. Different world than the big leagues.

The core comment was really obvious but you stopped reading the sentence halfway through. Those 3 are our core vets. We add obviously Mateychuk, maybe a hunt, maybe a Svozil, or maybe Christensen takes over a bigger role. Obviously Mateychuk is a massive part of our future. There's no reason to immediately thrust him into 23 mins a night and PK. He'll get there soon enough.

Also, you're really gonna bring up cap space? We have more than anybody's ever had in the history of the cap im pretty sure.

You want him to take a bigger role than Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes did as rookies. Let that sink in.

Please, don't take any of this as disparaging Mateychuk in any way. He's the real deal. I don't recall ever being as excited for a prospect as I am #5. His development should come before the teams short term success. Especially when we're not going to be a playoff contender for a year or two at best.

 

[ViD]

Mateychuk > Provorov

It’s that simple. And that’s without taking money into account.

IMO

Mateychuk hasn’t done anything to prove your statement. You’re writing him checks he might not cash

 

[koteka]

To have playoff experience prior to 27-28 means we have good veteran players on those teams.

We have some veterans. I am ok with getting more. Matt Roy, a guy who plays really good defense would have been a good acquisition. He is on the (checks notes) 1st place Capitals so maybe he is a good person in the locker room. Provorov’s end in Philly was a shitshow, and nobody, even teammates, seemed to miss him when he left. Every year we do stupid stuff is pushing the playoff window down the road. So let’s just stop making stupid moves.

 

[ColumbusTrill]

We have some veterans. I am ok with getting more. Matt Roy, a guy who plays really good defense would have been a good acquisition. He is on the (checks notes) 1st place Capitals so maybe he is a good person in the locker room. Provorov’s end in Philly was a shitshow, and nobody, even teammates, seemed to miss him when he left. Every year we do stupid stuff is pushing the playoff window down the road. So let’s just stop making stupid moves.

If there is a better option than Provorov I'm all for it. I just don't agree with the notion we have to wait til our team is on the verge of a cup run to throw big money at free agents

 

[thebus88]

I would build this team with a goal of being as good as we can be in 2027-28. The goal is not to be as good as we can be in 2025-26. I want to win Cups. I don’t want 5 years of 1st round playoff exits and then another rebuild.

I have so many questions.

 

[thebus88]

Mateychuk hasn’t done anything to prove your statement. You’re writing him checks he might not cash

He’s a better player right now and I guarantee you he will have a better NHL career than Provorov.

EVERYONE has looked better playing with Werenski this year. We need a different STYLE of defenseman than Provorov is BEFORE even taking Mateychuk into consideration.

Waiver wire Fabbro is a good option to play with Werenski, but, our top prospect defenseman Mateychuk isn’t??

Werenski > Mateychuk > Severson > Christiansen> Provorov/Gudbranson

 

[koteka]

I have so many questions.

Ok, rather than overpaying a guy who is only making an effort because it is a contract year, this is what the team should be focusing on.

Play young guys and let them learn. Focus should be growth and determining who is capable of what and who we should keep and move on from. I mean there are so many questions we still don’t know the answer to like “Is KJ a potential center?” I don’t mean “you are a turnover machine with a bad attitude” type playing young guys. I mean “we have noticed you are successful in these situations and we are curious how you would handle playing a different style/position for the next 15 games to see how you handle it.”

Truly evaluate leadership in the locker room. Don’t just say “Boone is a great guy.” Look for examples of true leadership from guys. Figure out who players are listening to and learning from. Figure out what we are missing. Does Boone just hang out with the older guys or has he ever taken the young Russians out to slam some vodka shots? Did Jiricek feel comfortable talking to any of the older D about his frustrations? If yes, then who? If no, then why not?

Evaluate everyone on the staff. Is Kevin Collins or Mike Vogt or Jarod Boll the best person possible for their jobs? This was something I think Wads said he would evaluate this season.

 

[thebus88]

This is getting away from Provorov a bit.

I agree and disagree with everyone.

I think the team should be done “building”, while at the same time I think having 20 year old Mateychuk playing now is actually the best for him and the team, currently and in the long run.

Provorov and Mateychuk are in DIRECT competition in regards to their standing in the organization.

 

[ColumbusTrill]

Ok, rather than overpaying a guy who is only making an effort because it is a contract year, this is what the team should be focusing on.

If we signed Provorov (or whatever FA D) to a fair deal I don't why still can't focus on growth and development for young guys? If anything it makes it easier because if a young guy isn't ready for a big role like Provorov's you then aren't putting him in a bad position and you also aren't putting the success of the team in jeopardy.

Literally everything you said can be done no matter the direction the team takes at D

 

[koteka]

If we signed Provorov (or whatever FA D) to a fair deal I don't why still can't focus on growth and development for young guys?

Let me be explicit:

I generally think Provorov sucks donkey balls. I don’t think he cares much for hockey. I believe he is only playing well now because he has to if he wants a good next contract. Anyone who ignores the last several seasons and only focuses on his recent play is a buffoon. If we give him any sort of contract with term or a decent cap hit, we will regret it immediately. Trading for him was one of Jarmo’s biggest mistakes. The defense a panicked Jarmo tried to build two or three years to late set this team back several years. Be glad Provorov is playing well enough to maybe return a first (I am not 100% convinced he will return a first) and move on and be happy that stupid move is behind us.

 

[ColumbusTrill]

Let me be explicit:

I generally think Provorov sucks donkey balls. I don’t think he cares much for hockey. I believe he is only playing well now because he has to if he wants a good next contract. Anyone who ignores the last several seasons and only focuses on his recent play is a buffoon. If we give him any sort of contract with term or a decent cap hit, we will regret it immediately. Trading for him was one of Jarmo’s biggest mistakes. The defense a panicked Jarmo tried to build two or three years to late set this team back several years. Be glad Provorov is playing well enough to maybe return a first (I am not 100% convinced he will return a first) and move on and be happy that stupid move is behind us.

I get that you don't like him lol but what I'm saying is that I'm surprised so many people are against spending big money on FA D when it only helps young players development and helps continue the upward trajectory of the team. I don't really care if it's Provorov or Gavrikov or whoever but we need good veteran players who can play big roles on this team for everyone's sake. I'm sick of young guys getting played in roles they aren't ready for and one reason why we have been respectable this season is that hasn't really had to happen.

 

[koteka]

I get that you don't like him lol but what I'm saying is that I'm surprised so many people are against spending big money on FA D when it only helps young players development and helps continue the upward trajectory of the team. I don't really care if it's Provorov or Gavrikov or whoever but we need good veteran players who can play big roles on this team for everyone's sake. I'm sick of young guys getting played in roles they aren't ready for and one reason why we have been respectable this season is that hasn't really had to happen.

I think everyone is on board with spending money on a solid defensive right D. Nobody seems against that idea.

 

[ColumbusTrill]

I think everyone is on board with spending money on a solid defensive right D. Nobody seems against that idea.

That's not the vibe I've gotten - seen people saying Mateychuk can straight up replace Provorov now and the only way we should try to improve the D is through the draft and trades. Even if we have to spend a little more on a guy than others in FA I'm all for it.

Anyways I think we're mostly on the same page

 

[koteka]

That's not the vibe I've gotten - seen people saying Mateychuk can straight up replace Provorov now and the only way we should try to improve the D is through the draft and trades. Even if we have to spend a little more on a guy than others in FA I'm all for it.

Anyways I think we're mostly on the same page

I take the vibe as don’t waste money on a left D. You can get them other ways. Hell, we have a guy in Cleveland that will probably be our 2LD sooner rather than later. If we are going to spend money, spend it on where we have true issues.

 

[ColumbusTrill]

I take the vibe as don’t waste money on a left D. You can get them other ways. Hell, we have a guy in Cleveland that will probably be our 2LD sooner rather than later. If we are going to spend money, spend it on where we have true issues.

Still I'd say the only sure thing at LD for us rn long term is Z. Obviously there are young guys like Christiansen and prospects like Mateychuk but those three aren't necessarily the set future at LD

 

[Xoggz22]

In my opinion, every defensman, minus Mateychuk, in the minors, juniors or college is at least three years from being a contributor in the NHL. I would have no issue with a 3-4 year deal for provorov, but don't see any way he accepts that. Three years woudl be perfect in my opinion and maybe that works for him to get another contract as I believe he would be 29 at the end of that deal (maybe 30). A little towards the end of his prime years, but still worthy of a good final contract.

That said, I still almost prefer moving him for assets at the deadline. I've come to my own conclusion that I think the opportunity will present itself to move assets for another significant piece to the core and long term/short term success. They already have a good asset pool to pull from, add more and pull the trigger on a low to mid 20's guy if you can get one. Preferred a RHD and then add a short term #2 LHD behind Z for 1-2 years that allows Mateychuk to develop further at the NHL level. I'm not sure Jake is the guy, but maybe we'll see more developement before year end. I just don't think he's a top 6 guy on a stanley cup contender. Z and Mateychuk appear to be possible for that and that window remains 2-3 years out barring any significant talent upgrade.

 

[majormajor]

In my opinion, every defensman, minus Mateychuk, in the minors, juniors or college is at least three years from being a contributor in the NHL. I would have no issue with a 3-4 year deal for provorov, but don't see any way he accepts that. Three years woudl be perfect in my opinion and maybe that works for him to get another contract as I believe he would be 29 at the end of that deal (maybe 30). A little towards the end of his prime years, but still worthy of a good final contract.

That said, I still almost prefer moving him for assets at the deadline. I've come to my own conclusion that I think the opportunity will present itself to move assets for another significant piece to the core and long term/short term success. They already have a good asset pool to pull from, add more and pull the trigger on a low to mid 20's guy if you can get one. Preferred a RHD and then add a short term #2 LHD behind Z for 1-2 years that allows Mateychuk to develop further at the NHL level. I'm not sure Jake is the guy, but maybe we'll see more developement before year end. I just don't think he's a top 6 guy on a stanley cup contender. Z and Mateychuk appear to be possible for that and that window remains 2-3 years out barring any significant talent upgrade.

Seems like we should evaluate Mateychuk in the NHL for a bit before deciding how much of a buffer he needs - he might be 100% ready for a middle pair role. Perhaps the plan is to do that this Spring after a Provorov trade and make adjustments in the summer based on what we see.

Daemon Hunt is a guy I would figure might be ready sooner than later, not 3+ years away. Svozil is inching forward too, my expectations have been generally low with him but he might take a step in a year or two. Christiansen-Severson was also a perfectly good pairing to start the year - outplaying opponents as a middle pair - so I'm not ruling out that we'll get something out of Christiansen. He certainly can't carry a pairing, but hey neither can Fabbro.

 

[Forepar]

In my opinion, every defensman, minus Mateychuk, in the minors, juniors or college is at least three years from being a contributor in the NHL. I would have no issue with a 3-4 year deal for provorov, but don't see any way he accepts that. Three years woudl be perfect in my opinion and maybe that works for him to get another contract as I believe he would be 29 at the end of that deal (maybe 30). A little towards the end of his prime years, but still worthy of a good final contract.

That said, I still almost prefer moving him for assets at the deadline. I've come to my own conclusion that I think the opportunity will present itself to move assets for another significant piece to the core and long term/short term success. They already have a good asset pool to pull from, add more and pull the trigger on a low to mid 20's guy if you can get one. Preferred a RHD and then add a short term #2 LHD behind Z for 1-2 years that allows Mateychuk to develop further at the NHL level. I'm not sure Jake is the guy, but maybe we'll see more developement before year end. I just don't think he's a top 6 guy on a stanley cup contender. Z and Mateychuk appear to be possible for that and that window remains 2-3 years out barring any significant talent upgrade.

Agree ^.

Yet I like Provorov. If grapes were nuts, etc.., then Provorov would be a RD, not a LD, and Severson and his contract would be tradeable. Both of those wishes are fantasy-land.

I know some disagree, but I see Provov as significantly better player than Severson, just that Provorov is wrong-handed with what CBJ needs (and already has in the pipeline). Because Provorv the player - we could use! That's why I think it's hard for several (including me) wanting to part with Provorov.

I have built-in concerns about Mateychuk. Simply because of zero regular season games played in the NHL. I'd like to see Mateychuk up with CBJ, playing good minutes, for 10-15 games before the TDL and see what that looks like. Not as sheltered 3rd pair, but not 23 minutes either. Just a normal 2nd pairing, probably with Severson. Move Provorov to 3rd pair for that stretch - he's already re-established his trade value (and/or his value to CBJ). If Mateychuk is ready, or isn't ready but still "on track" then I can't see signing Provorov for 7-8 years (which he will get on the FA market), not because he's not worth it but because Mateychuk is either ready or will be in another year or two. If Provorov gets traded and Mateychuk isn't ready for 2LD spot, then we need to replace Provorov with a vet LD on a 1 or 2 year deal to buy more time/shelter for Mateychuk without surrenduring next season as well. Maybe CBJ is a buyer at the TDL for a good LD vet with a little, but not al lot, of term left - or more likely that's obtained via trade at draft time? Yeah, I know, that's threading the smallest needle....

 

[CannonFire1]

I take the vibe as don’t waste money on a left D. You can get them other ways. Hell, we have a guy in Cleveland that will probably be our 2LD sooner rather than later. If we are going to spend money, spend it on where we have true issues.

I get that the preference would be for a right shot D who excels at the defensive part of the game, but that is a rare find. Such that I would consider left shot guys as well if they are true "shutdown" players. Elite defensive ability trumps handedness (IMO).

 

[Xoggz22]

Seems like we should evaluate Mateychuk in the NHL for a bit before deciding how much of a buffer he needs - he might be 100% ready for a middle pair role. Perhaps the plan is to do that this Spring after a Provorov trade and make adjustments in the summer based on what we see.

Daemon Hunt is a guy I would figure might be ready sooner than later, not 3+ years away. Svozil is inching forward too, my expectations have been generally low with him but he might take a step in a year or two. Christiansen-Severson was also a perfectly good pairing to start the year - outplaying opponents as a middle pair - so I'm not ruling out that we'll get something out of Christiansen. He certainly can't carry a pairing, but hey neither can Fabbro.

Sure. Poorly worded on my part. I completely forgot about Hunt, but I'm not sure I see him as a future top 4 potential player. I've always like Svozil, but still think he hasn't shown enough to be a top 4 NHL guy so I would put him in the 3 years away. I should have been more clear by indicating I don't see any playing a top 4 role within 3 years (I'm thinking guys like Marelli, Ashton, Makarov, Richard or any in Cleveland. Many/All could end up not even being NHL players.

So... I don't disagree with your post at all. I was unclear in mine. I think we have several young players that will play in the NHL, just not enough that are ready to push to the top of the lineup without more time and demonstration of their skill set development.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I am open to keeping Provorov. He’s very steady and I don’t know if you’re going to find someone better on the market. However, keeping him essentially banishes Mateychuk to third pairing duty for a few seasons, or if he plays better than Provorov, you’re going to have a 6-7+ million defenseman on the third pair or on his off hand. Just don’t see the long term fit for the team or the player. He probably wants to play more minutes on the PP too and we just can’t offer that long or short term.

Christiansen isn’t as good of a player but is it that much of a difference that you would essentially let him go and let Provorov stay? Not sure personally.

Plus Hunt and Svozil in the wings, might just be better for us to get our draft pick and move on. Even if he’s a solid player.

But on the other hand, it’s clear Waddell wants to win in short order. Provorov does help us do that. And it allows us to let Mateychuk mature slower.