“Finally it has happened to me right in front of my face, my feelings can’t describe it,” a hit song by CeCe Peniston, is a good way to describe the Ivan Provorov contract situation. “Finallllllly,” the Flyers have officially announced that Provorov has agreed to a 6-year $40.50 million deal ($6.75 Million AAV).
“Provy,” was rated as a top prospect in 2014-15, and he was selected 7th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Flyers. He finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of possibly playing in the NHL. After being drafted by the Flyers, Provorov continued playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings for the 2015-16 season. Provorov won the WHL championship with the Wheat Kings in 2015-16, and was named WHL Defenseman of the year. He signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers on July 3, 2015.
This young stud in Provorov will hopefully be the face of the franchise for years to come. Proof in the pudding came after a game on November 2, 2017, against the St. Louis Blues. The orange and black defeated the Blues 2-0, as Provorov played nearly half the game amassing 27:11 in ice time. This marked his fourth consecutive game that he was above 27 minutes in ice time. Even more impressive, Provorov was a human shield by blocking a whopping 10 shots. His nine blocked shots through two periods were a franchise record, a record that has stood since 1997.
The former Wheat King product, in Provorov, has registered 30 goals, and registered 67 apples for a total of 97 points in 246 games played for his NHL career. Provorov has earned this new/fair contract, especially after playing with one arm in Game 6 of the 2018 playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
There is no hiding from it, Provorov did have a down year last season. However, Provorov still managed to amass 25:07 in TOI, per night. Provorov is the face of the blueline for the orange and black, as he tasked with handling top line after top line on a nightly basis.
Fletcher is the new man on the block, and it’s great to see him finally resolving the contract issues with Provorov before training camp begins on Friday. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
Photo credit: Alex Mcintyre
