The Oilers are heavily in the market to acquire a defenceman in trade this season, but one of their very first trade targets in Ivan Provorov may now be taken off the board.
Provorov was linked to the Oilers very early this season as a pending free agent on a rebuilding team, while Edmonton searches for a player of his caliber.
However, according to new reports from NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Provorov may be coming off the board to stay on with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, citing some personal reasons keeping him in Ohio.
"I'm not even sold that Provorov is moving... The other part with Provorov is he doesn't really want to leave. We talked this morning about the Russian connection on Columbus now Provorov, his younger brother has committed to Ohio State, and he'll be in Columbus next year. He's looking to re-sign."- Frank Seravalli
Oilers GM Stan Bowman has revealed that star players are informing him that Edmonton is coming off their no-trade lists.
However, if Provorov wants to stay in Columbus for the personal reasons of being near his family and playing with countrymen, there's nothing Edmonton can do.
Ivan Provorov Likely Off the Board for Edmonton Oilers to Acquire in Trade
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer revealed earlier this year that Edmonton would prefer to add a longer term option for their blue line, so if Provorov is set on Columbus, he'll be off the board.
Seravalli raised the fact that Provorov is a left shot defenceman and wouldn't have helped the Oilers anyway, but that's not entirely accurate. Brett Kulak has slid up to play his offside with success, meaning Provorov could fit in if they tried.
Provorov probably would've been the best target for the Oilers to add, unfortunately.
He's having a great season with 18 points in 41 games, and playing well over 20 minutes each game on a Columbus team that may near the playoffs.
In a lesser role on the Oilers, Provorov would've been an amazing anchor to the blueline.
The Oilers front office and scouting staff held meetings recently to determine their top trade targets for this year. Hopefully they make the right acquisition, and can put this team over the top to win the Cup.
