Ivan Provorov has stayed remarkably healthy, missing just three NHL games in the last four plus seasons.
This is exactly what we should be worried about. Remember two trade deadlines ago, when we thought we were going to get a nice return on Gustav Nyquist - only to have him suffer a regular season-ending injury, turning a valuable asset into a measly 5th round pick? I don't want to see that happen again.
Provorov has been very lucky with his health throughout his NHL career. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have not. At some point, they'll be playing with fire here, and this team can ill afford to give this player away for nothing. Ivan still has a lot of good years left, so the return should be significant.
Obviously, the Blue Jackets will have a big ask on that return here. But, if the Utah Hockey Club is truly interested in Provorov now, while they are missing two defensemen, I have to think they would be willing to pay the cost.
For that team in particular, waiting until the deadline changes nothing. They have the need because they want to turn the corner now. They have plenty of cap space. They also have a cupboard full of exciting young prospects - as well as a ridiculous stockpile of upcoming draft picks (17 in the next two drafts alone). This is exactly the kind of team the Blue Jackets should be talking to about their veteran UFAs.
Hot start does not mean a successful season...
Let's face it, this has been a really hot start for Provorov and the Blue Jackets. Neither the player nor team are going to stay this hot all season long, if history is any indication. Why not strike while the iron is hot, and get the biggest return possible on him now?
They could ask for a different depth option in return. Or, they could just lean on Denton Mateychuk sooner than expected. He's already put up four points in five games with the AHL's Cleveland Monsters - and he certainly looked the part in NHL training camp this year. Many of us think he's ready, and Provorov is clearly one of the guys holding up his arrival.
I'm sure that's the plan, eventually. Dealing Provorov away will open up a job for Mateychuk at some point. I'm just not sure waiting until March to do it, is the correct move. There's a lot at risk here, especially with Provy playing so many minutes.
Still, the team will want to buy as much time for Mateychuk to develop in Cleveland as possible. they'll also be looking for a trade deadline bidding war on Provorov. Fingers crossed that he can stay healthy and keep playing at a high level until then.