Ivan Provorov – Nick Lidstrom
When talking about Ivan Provorov in Flyers circles these days, there is a big risk of the hype train going off the track. With that in mind, the best going comparison for Provorov seems to be Nick Lidstrom.
Obviously this is a lofty comparison, as Nick Lidstrom won 7 Norris trophies and 4 Stanley Cups, and was occasionally called “The Perfect Human.” Far from saying Provorov will accomplish the same (although I wouldn’t mind), Lidstrom’s game is the best model for Provorov. Provorov can do it all on the ice, without being overly physical, like Lidstrom. Provorov also has knack for reading and controlling the tempo of the game, like Lidstrom.
Let’s hope Provorov turns out to be half the NHL player Lidstrom was.
Next: Travis Konecny