Flyers' Provorov blocking out trade rumors: 'I'm a loyal player'
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov is aware that his name is cropping up in trade rumors, but the 25-year-old is doing his best to block the noise.
"Their job is to talk, my job is to play," Provorov said after practice Wednesday, according to Philly Hockey Now's Sam Carchidi. "I'm not changing anything about my preparation or my thinking. I'm here to play and compete every game."
He added, "I've been here for seven years. It's the team I got drafted by. I'm a loyal player. I want to do my best every game and help the team win any way I can."
The Flyers are reportedly fielding calls from other teams about Provorov, who still has two years remaining on his pact after this season with a $6.75-million cap hit.
The Russian has two goals and 13 assists in 42 games this campaign while ranking second on the team in average ice time (23:10). Provorov has skated alongside a variety of partners in 2022-23, including Tony DeAngelo, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Cam York.
Last season, Provorov spent the majority of his time on a struggling pair with Justin Braun until the latter was shipped to the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. Then, he played alongside York and Ronnie Attard, who were both rookies.
The Flyers traded for Ryan Ellis two offseasons ago, and it looked like Provorov had found a stable partner for the first time since Matt Niskanen retired following the 2019-20 campaign. However, Ellis has only been able to suit up for four games due to injuries.
Philadelphia drafted Provorov seventh overall in 2015. Since he entered the league in 2016-17, the Flyers have amassed a 226-204-65 record, good for a .522 points percentage. But, the team has failed to make the playoffs four times in the last six campaigns and looks primed to miss the dance for a third straight season.
"We've had a couple good years and a couple not-so-good years," Provorov said. "I've been here for pretty much everything, so it would be good to see another time when the team is playing great."
The Flyers aren't in a position where they necessarily have to move him, but there are plenty of teams who could benefit from adding Provorov's skill set.
Philadelphia currently sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division with a 17-18-7 record.
The NHL's trade deadline is March 3 at 3 p.m. ET.