Columbus Blue Jackets Re-Sign Ivan Provorov To Long-Term Deal

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov skates during 2025 game.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have secured their blue line in a big way, officially re-signing Ivan Provorov to a seven-year, $59.5 million extension

The deal carries an $8.5 million average annual value, keeping the 28-year-old defenseman off the open market just hours before NHL free agency was set to begin.

A Massive Commitment to a Core Piece

Provorov, acquired two seasons ago from the Philadelphia Flyers, has quickly become a stabilizing force on the Blue Jackets’ back end. He played all 82 games for the third straight season in 2024–25, tallying seven goals, 26 assists, and a +11 rating, along with 127 blocked shots. 

The Russian blueliner has consistently logged big minutes and was projected by some analysts to command upwards of $60 million on the open market, making this deal a strong statement of intent from GM Don Waddell.

Columbus Prioritizes Stability on Defense

With Zach Werenski leading the left side and top prospect Denton Mateychuk on the rise, locking down Provorov ensures the Blue Jackets maintain a reliable veteran presence as their retool continues. Analysts like Frank Seravalli had expressed surprise that Columbus hadn’t sealed a deal sooner, but the Blue Jackets ultimately avoided risk and retained a top-tier defenseman in his prime.

In a thin free-agent market for defensemen, Columbus ensured their top-four remains intact as they try to climb back into playoff relevance.

Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images